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Book, 

LIBHARY 


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AT 

PRII^CETON,  ]V.  J. 

IMINATION    OF 

S  A  M  I J  E  L    A  a  N  E  W  , 

ut      Villi.  A  DKI.  PHI  A.    PA. 


Letfer 


A'o. 


^^t^t^-.-'C/.'^- 


Sr::.  1^// 


■^'' 


-^^ 


^  Omnia  exploraie:  J;    ! 

^  GEORGE  r.  MOREHOUSE,  ^ 

J?   Bomimtenete,     iThess.  v.  2t.   >    i 


S 


sec 


ISAAC     STOCKTON    KEITH    'B.ajj 


-///'/ x^       /, 


/,/  r  /y^<^/ty/^^  t/  Uo'^ 


^y7^>f^^.^Z 


(»■ 


SERMONS, 

ADDRESSES,    AND    LETTERS. 

SELECTED  FROM  THE  WRITINGS 

OF    THE    LATE 

REV.  ISAAC  STOCKTON  KEITH,  DD. 

SNl  OF  THE  MINISTERS  OF  THE  INDEPENDENT  OR  CONGREGA- 
TIONAL CHURCH  IN  CHARLESTON,  S.  C. 


TO  WHICH  ARE  PREPIXBDj 


AN     ENORAVED     PORTRAIT    01     THE    AtTHOR, 

A  BRIEF  SKETCH  OF  HIS  LIFE, 


AND     THE 


SERMON  PREACHED   ON   THE   OCCASION   OF  HIS   DEATH, 


BY   REV.   ANDREW    FLINN,    D.D, 


THi   MEMORY   OT    THE    JUST    19    BLESSED. 

SOLOMON. 


CHARLESTOWN  : 

PRINTED  3BX   S.   ETHEBXDGE,  JR, 

1816. 


CONTENTS 


PAGE. 

Preface                       -                                  .  -  5 

Biographical  Sketch                    -                     -  -  9 

Funeral  sermon  on  the  death  of  Dr-  Keith,  by  Dr.  Flinn  -  23 

Inauguration  sermon                 -                       -  -  49 

Sermon  on  the  death  of  General  Washington            -  -73 

Charge  at  the  ordination  of  Rev.  James  Adams         -  -  103 

Address  delivered  at  the  Orphan  House  in  Charleston  -  129 
Sermon  at  the  opening  of  the  circular  church,  in  Meeting-street, 

Charleston                     -                                 -  -  159 

Address  delivered  at  a  weekly  meeting                -  -  195 

LETTERS 

To  Miss  N.  R.                          -                           -  -  204 

Mr.  -                            -  -  211 

Rev.  Dr.  S.                            -                             -  ,  -  219 

Rev.  Dr.  G,                          -                           -  -  221 

Mrs.  K.                       .         -                           -  -  227 

Thomfis  Bennett,  Esq.  on  John's  Island  -  280 

Rev,  Dr.  Sproat                 -                           -  -  232 

Miss  O.  Sproat                    -                           -  -  235 

Rev.  Dr.  G.                         .                           -  -  240 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  L.                -                           -  -  250 

Rev,  Dr.  G.                         -                            -  .-  257 

Dr.  F.                                   ...  263 

-                             -  -  265 

His  sister                             -                           -  -  269 

Dr.  F.                                   ...  o^e 

The  same                             -                           -  -  280 

Kev.  Mr.  P.                        -                          -  -  284 


^y  CONTENTS.  "■ 

To  Dr.  F.  ...  288 
Rev.  Mr.  P.  -  .  .  293 
Dr.F.  .  .  -  296 
The  same  -  -  ,  300 
The  same  -  .  .  303 
Mrs.S.  W.  -  -  -  310 
.  .  -  319 


Mrs.  W.                              -                           -  -  325 
The  Committee  of  the  church  in  the  first  Society  ia  Farmington  338 

Mrs.  W.                            -                          _  .  343 

Mrs.  B.  of  B ~t                                     -  -  350 

Dr.F.                                  .                          .  -  359 

The  same                           -                          .  -  363 

Mrs.  W,.                              ...  368 

The  same                           -                          -  .  37g 

The  same,  on  the  death  of  her  son            -  -  S85 

Dr.F. 

The  same 

Mr.J.  S.                              -                           -  -  395 

Rev.  Dr.  M.                        -                          -  .  403 

Mrs,  H. 

Rev.  Dr.  M. 

Rev.  Mr.  P.  -  .  . 

Rev.  Dr.  S.                         -                           .  .  427 

The  President  of  the  Congregational  Society  -  435 

Dr.E.S.  -  .  ^440 


389 
392 


412 

421 
424 


?'  PEmGBTdlT'    '^.. 


PREFACE.  " 


1  HIS  volume  is  designed  as  a  memorial  of  departed 
worth.  It  appears  under  disadvantages  common  to  all 
posthumous  works.  The  Sermons  and  Addresses, 
with  one  or  two  exceptions,  were  prepared  bj  the  Au- 
thor for  the  press.  The  rest  of  the  volume,  consisting 
of  selections  from  his  numerous  letters  to  his  friends, 
are  the  effusions  of  a  pious  and  aflfectionate  heart,  and 
penned  either  for  their  comfort,  instruction,  or  gratifi- 
cation, without  the  remotest  idea  of  their  ever  appear- 
ing before  the  public.  The  Editors  have  found  the 
task  of  selection,  in  these  circumstances,  both  delicate 
and  difficult  ;  delicate,  lest  we  should  encroach  on  the 
sanctuary  of  private  friendship  ;  difficult,  on  account 
of  the  great  mass  of  letters  before  us,  from  which  the 
selection  has  been  made.  Our  difficulty  has  arisen, 
not  from  a  deficiency,  but  from  a  redundancy,  of  val lia- 
ble materials.  We  have  used  our  best  judgment  in 
making  this  compilation,  from  the  writings  of  one  of  the 
best  of  men,  and  of  ministers,  and  submit  it  to  the  can- 
dour of  its  readers,  and  the  blessing  of  God. 


VI  PREFACE. 

Though  this  volume  is  published  more  especially  to 
gratify  the  numerous  friends  of  Dr.  Keith,  and  to  them 
we  are  sure  it  will  be  very  precious  ;  yet,  we  doubt 
not,  it  will  prove  a  useful  and  valued  work  io  many 
others  also,  and  remain  a  monument  of  the  affectionate 
piety,  christian  charity  and  meekness,  respectable  tal- 
ents and  acquirements,  and  ministerial  fidelity  of  its 
Author,  to  the  latest  generation. 

We  close  our  Preface  with  the  following  letter,  ad- 
dressed to  the  widow  of  Dr.  Keith,  shortly  after  his 
decease,  as  a  valuable  testimonial  of  the  high  estima- 
tion in  which  he  was  held  by  the  most  respectable  peo- 
ple of  his  charge  ;  and  as  furnishing  also  a  strong  reason 
for  the  publication  of  this  volume. 

CHARLESTON,    MARCH    31,     1814. 
MRS.  KEITH. 

•  RESPECTED    MADAM, 

W  HiLE  we  partake  in  the  ex- 
tensive grief,  which  the  much  lamented  death  of  youv  excel- 
lent husband  has  excited,  one  source  of  alleviating  our  dis- 
tress has  been  opened  to  our  minds.  With  your  permission, 
he  wfio  when  living  faithfully  fed  us  with  the  bread  of  life, 
may,  though  dead,  yet  continue  to  instruct  and  comfort,  not 
only  us  and  our  children,  but  multitudes  who  never  had  the 
happiness,  which  we  enjoyed,  of  hearing  from  his  lips  the  gra- 
cious messages  of  divine  truth.  To  withhold  these  precious 
remains  of  our  much  loved  Pastor  from  the  public  eye,  would, 


FREFACE, 


va 


in  our  opinion,  be  an  injury  to  the  community,  as  it  would  de- 
prive them  of  a  source  of  improvement  and  consolation,  which, 
under  existing  circumstances,  promises  to  be  of  extensive 
utility.  We  therefore  most  earnestly  request  you  to  deliver 
over  to  some  judicious  friend,  the  manuscripts  of  your  be- 
loved husband,  that  a  selection  may  be  made  from  them  for 
publication.  In  so  doing  you  will  not  only  oblige  us,  but 
many  who  have  never  heard  his  voice  ;  and  at  the  same  time, 
carry  on  the  good  work  to  which  his  whole  life  was  devoted. 
We  are, 

With  great  esteem  and  affection, 

Your  friends, 


ELIZABBTH    B.    HATTEB- 
MARY    L.    THOMAS. 
SVSANNA    SMILIE> 


J081AH    SMITH. 
WILLIAM    ROACH. 
KINSEY    BURDEN. 
MATHANIEL  RUSSELL. 
THOMAS    JONES. 
ADAM    GILCHRIST. 
WILLIAM    PAYNB. 
W.    S.    SMITH. 
T.    FORD. 
BATID    RAMSAT. 


%T-H20LOai0iLL# 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH 


REV.  DR.  KEITH. 


Isaac  Stockton  Kkith,   the    subject    of    this 
memoir,  son  of  William  arrl  Mapgaret  Kkith,  was 
born  in  Newtown,  Bucks  County,  Pennsylvania,  Janu- 
ary   201b,   1755.     His   parents  were   members  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,    in   the   place  of  his  nativity,  and 
were  held   in   high   estimation,  in  the  circle  of  their  ac- 
quaintance, for  their  piety  and  \irtue.     They  educated 
their  children,  (two  sons  and  two  daughters,   so  far  as 
we  can  ascertain  from  the  documents  before  us)  with 
exemplary  fidelity,  taking  unwearied  pains   to  pour  re- 
ligious and  other   useful  instruction  into  their  youthful 
minds,  and  to  bring  them   up  in  the  nurture  and  admo- 
nition of  the  Lord.     In  the  subject  of   this  memoir,   at 
a  very  early  age,  they  discerned  a  \ivacity  of  imagina- 
tion, a  quickness  of  discernment,  and   a  diirposiiion  and 
aptness  to  learn,  which  led  them  to  determine,  in  hum- 
ble dependence  on  the  divine  blessing,  to  give  him  the 
advantages  of  a  public  education,  with  a  view  to  quali- 
fy him  to  act  in  a  larsje  sphere  of  usefulness.     Accord- 
ingly, at  the  age  of  about  fourteen,  he  was  sent  to  Prince- 
ton, in  New  Jersey,  where  he  commenced  and  fiiiished 
his  classical  education,  under  that  very  learned  and  ex- 
cellent man.   Rev.  Ur.  John  WiTHfiRSPOON,  as  Pres» 


10  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

ident  of  Nassau  Hall,  and  the  Proprietor  and  Director 
of  the  Grammar  School,  annexed  to  the  College,  and 
then  taught  by  Mr.  Nathaniel  Erwin,  late  minister  of 
Neshaminy.  Such  was  the  diligence  and  success  with 
which  he  pursued  his  preparatory  studies,  that  at  every 
examination  he  was  honored  wilh  a  preraium.  The 
period  he  spent  at  the  Grammar  vSchool,  previous  to  his 
admission  into  the  College,  was  much  shorter  than  usu- 
al. His  whole  course  of  classical  education  was  com- 
pleted in  six  years,  at  the  early  age  of  twenty.  But 
the  event,  which  abo\  e  all  others  distinguished  the  pe- 
riod of  his  residence  at  the  Grammar  School,  and  which 
laid  the  fonndalion  for  his  future  usefulness  in  the 
church  of  Christ,  was  his  conversion.  Here,  as  appears 
from  a  MS.  account  of  the  event  now  before  the  writer, 
through  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  eyes 
of  his  tnind  were  opened  ;  he  perceived,  felt  and  la- 
mented the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  his  own  heart  and 
life  ;  and  renouncing  all  dependence  on  any  thing  he 
could  do  to  effect  his  own  salvation,  was  led  to  rely 
wholly  on  the  merits  and  mediation  of  a  crucified  Sa- 
viour. In  his  own  time,  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  diffuse 
the  light  of  his  reconciled  countenance  into  his  anxious 
and  humbled  soul.  On  hearing  the  joyful  and  welcome 
intelligence  of  this  event,  his  parents  exclaimed,  *<  Now 
hath  the  Lord  answered  our  prayers  in  his  tender  mer- 
cies toward  that  son,  whom  we  had  specially  dedicated 
to  his  service."  During  his  whole  collegiate  course, 
he  continued  a  warm  hearted,  active,  exemplary  christ- 
ian. 

Soon  afler  he  had  completed  his  classical  education, 

31  in  the  autumn  of  177 by  he  was  invited  to  take  charge  of 

a  Latin  school  at  Elizabethtown,  in  New  Jersey,  which 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  11 

he  taught  with  Ihe  approbation,  both  of  his  pupils,  and 
of  the  Trustees.  But  this  employment  fell  short  of  his 
great  ob  ect.  He  accordingly  resigned  the  school,  and 
placed  himself  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Robert 
Smith,  of  Lancaster  County,  in  conformity  to  whose 
directions,  residing  at  his  father's  house,  he  pursued 
and  finished  his  course  of  theological  studies,  prepara- 
tory to  his  entrance  on  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

In  the  year  1778,  he  put  hitnself  under  the  care  of 
the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  ;  and  in  the  autumn  of 
the  same  year,  received  from  that  body  a  license  to 
preach  the  gospel.  The  following  winter  he  spent  in  a 
preaching  tour,  from  which  he  returned  to  his  father's 
house  in  April,  suffering  under  a  sore  and  most  pain- 
ful pleuretic  complaint,  which  affected  his  liver,  and 
imminently  threatened  his  life.  After  a  long  and  dis- 
tressing sickness,  he  was  relieved,  though  not  restored 
to  firm  health,  in  an  extraordinary  manner.  The  mat- 
ter which  had  collected  internally,  and  caused  his 
pain,  discharged  itself,  in  consequence  of  the  applica- 
tion of  a  blister,  near  his  shoulder  blade,  and  his  recov- 
ery immediately  followed. 

In  March,  1780,  having  previously  preached  at  Al- 
exandria, in  Virginia,  he  received  from  the  Presbyte- 
rian church  and  society  in  that  place,  left  vacant  by 
the  removal  of  the  Rev.  William  Thom,  an  affection- 
ate and  unanimous  call,  (to  which  "  the  inhabitants  of 
every  denomination  echoed  universal  consent,")  to  set- 
tle among  them,  as  their  pastor,  **  promising  obedience 
to  his  doctrine  and  discipline,  so  far  as  they  should  be 
agreeable  to  the  word  of  God."  The  call  from  this 
church  he  accepted,  and  was  ordained  by  the  Presby- 
tery of  Philadelphia,  with  a  view  to  his  taking  the  pas- 


13  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCU. 

toral  charge  of  it.  On  the  30th  of  May,  1780,  he  re- 
ceived his  dismission  from  the  Presbvterj  of  Philadel- 
phia to  that  of  Donnegall,  who  had  the  care  of  the 
church  over  which  he  had  been  ordained.  He  had  pre- 
viously received  a  call  from  a  church  in  Alltntown, 
New  Jersey,  to  which  he  sent  a  negative  but  affec- 
tionate answer. 

In  the  autumn  of  1784,  he  was  attacked  by  a  fever, 
which  weakened  si  ill  more  his  already  enfeebled  constitu- 
tion. The  following  reflections,  after  his  recovery  from 
this  sickness,  are  worthy  to  be  preser^  ed.  They  are  con- 
tained in  a  letter  of  his  to  his  brother  and  sister,  daled 
Alexandria,  September  7,  1785,  *'  I  am  not  without 
hope,  that  these  afliictive  dispensations,  are  the  correc- 
tions of  a  Father's  hand,  mercifully  designed  to  promote 
my  spiritual  improvement  ;  and  in  connexion  with  that, 
my  truest  and  highest  happiness,  I  sensibly  feel  the 
need  in  which  I  stand  of  frequent  chastisement,  to  disen- 
gage my  atTections  from  an  inordinate  attachment  to  the 
"World;  to  impress  a  livelier  conviction  of  the  evil  of  sin  ; 
to  excite  to  greater  fidelity,  in  the  discharge  of  du- 
ty, and  to  awaken  more  ardent  desires,  and  diligent 
preparations  for  the  happiness  of  a  better  life.  Should 
it  be  productive  of  these  happy  fruits,  and  these  1  hope, 
through  the  attending  blessing,  and  sanctifying  spirit  of 
God,  will  not  be  altogether  wanting.  I  shall  then  have 
reason  to  reckon  my  affliction  among  the  number  of  my 
choicest  mercies,  and  to  acknowledge  with  joy  and 
thankfulness,  "  That  it  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been 
afflicted."  This  is  the  language  of  a  truly  christian 
faith  and  piety  ;  but  the  spirit  from  which  it  flows,  is 
as  diflicult  to  be  acquired  and  maintained,  as  it  is  desir- 
able to  be  possessed.     Happy  truly  are  they,  and  they 


BtOGKAPHICAli    SKETCH.  18 

alone,  whose  soiiU  have  been  formed  by  the  grace  of 
God  for  ihe  principles  of  our  hoiy  religion,  to  rejoice  in 
ihti  prosperity  of  this  life,  as  though  they  rejoiced  not, 
and  to  \\eep  under  the  sonows  of  it,  as  though  liiey  wept 
not  ;  considering  the  time  as  short,  and  the  fashion  of 
this  world  as  passing  swiftly  away.  Soon,  very  soon, 
my  dear  brother  and  sister,  will  it  pass  away  from  ns, 
or  we  from  it.  Lei  us  then  seriously  and  impartially  in- 
quire, whether  we  are  properly  prepared  to  take  our 
final  leave  of  it  ;  whether  we  have  those  satisfying  evi- 
dences of  a  christian  faith,  and  repentance,  and  love, 
and  obedience,  and  a  conscience  so  v  oid  of  offence  both 
towards  God  and  man,  that  we  can  welcome  the  pros- 
pect of  eternity,  in  the  animating  persuasion  or  hope, 
that  the  joys  prepared  for  the  good  and  faithful  servant 
yi  Ihe  kingdom  of  our  Ijord,  shdl  be  our  everlasting 
portion.  Ijet  these,  therefore,  be  constantly  made  the 
chief  objects  of  our  attention  and  regard,  and  let  us 
not  forget  to  help  each  other  by  our  mutual  prayers, 
that  we  may  find  mercy,  and  obtain  grace,  to  be  faith- 
ful in  the  things,  which  so  deeply  concern  the  safety 
and  happiness  of  our  immortal  souls." 

The  feelings  here  expressed,  were  not  left  to  expire 
without  a  corresponding  effort  to  render  some  accepta- 
ble service  to  the  Lord,  by  doing  good  to  his  fellow 
men.  Accordingly,  in  Nov.  1785,  he  prepared  the 
following  plan  of  a  Society,  which,  from  the  wisdom  and 
liberality  it  displays,  does  great  credit  to  his  under- 
standing and  heart. 

"  Outlines  of  a  plan  for  forming  a  religious  society 
in  the  town  of  Alexandria. 

*T  is  conceived  that  a  society,  founded  on  catholic 
principles,  so  as  to  unite  christians  of  different  persua- 


14  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. 

sions  or  professions,  for  the  purposes  of  social  prayer, 
and  other  religious  exercises,  may  contribute  greatly 
through  Ihe  divine  blessing,  to  the  spiritual  improve- 
ment  of  their  own  souls  ;  and  serve  also  to  diffuse  the 
spirit  and  the  blessings  of  the  gospel  among  others,  by 
whom  they  have  not  yet  been  experienced.  The  cir- 
cumstances of  this  place,  where  the  people  of  God  are 
few  in  number,  and  in  some  measure,  divided  under 
different  names  and  forms,  while  the  whole  current  of 
general  example,  is  opposed  to  a  serious  profession, 
and  conscientious  practice  of  irue  religion  ;  forcibly 
call  upon  all  who  are  sincerely  resolved  to  live  godly 
in  Christ  Jesus,  and  are  duly  concerned  for  the  honor 
of  the  Master  whom  they  serve  :  to  overlook  the  little 
differences  subsisting  between  them,  and  lo  combine 
their  best  exertions,  both  to  secure  their  own  inlegrifj- 
and  stedfastness,  in  the  service  of  tlieir  God  and  Re- 
deemer, and  to  engage  others  to  become  followers  of 
them,  as  they  are  of  Christ.  In  order  to  these  ends,  no 
means  appear  more  promising  in  themselves,  or  more 
likely  to  be  approved  and  seconded  by  the  great  Head 
of  the  church,  than  such  institutions  as  this  ;  wherein 
those  who  profess  faith  in  the  same  Saviour,  who  ac- 
knowledge subjection  to  the  laws  of  the  same  gospel,  and 
entertain  the  hope  of  sharing  in  the  same  inheritance 
of  the  saints  in  light  ;  suspending  their  zeal  for  those  less 
essential  opinions  and  modes  of  practice,  in  which  they 
vary  from  each  other  ;  associate  together  in  that  spi- 
il  of  christian  charity,  which  is  the  bond  of  perfec- 
tion, and  cordially  unite  in  fervent  prayers  and  suppli- 
cations for  each  other,  and  for  all  men,  in  mutual  ex- 
hortations, to  provoke  unto  love  and  to  good  works, 
and  in  the  use  of  all  other  prudent  and  alFectionate  en- 


:6lOGRAFHIGAI.   SKETCH.  15 

deavours  to  encourage  each  others'  hearts,  and  strength- 
en each  others'  hands  in  the  cooimon  and  great  christ* 
ian  cause.     The  hope   (hat   God  will  own  and  bless,  to 
the  important  purposes  in  view,  a  design  which  so  pro- 
fessedly and  directly  aims  at  the  advancement  of  his  glo- 
ry, in  the  promotion  of  the  interests  of  religion,  is  abun- 
dantly authorized,  not  only  by  the  obvious  reasonable- 
ness of  the    thing,  and    its   manifest  conformity  to  the 
Divine  will  ;  but   by   the   express   declarations  of  his 
written  word,   which,  among  other  instances,  furnishes 
us  with  an  illustrious  example  of  the  success  of  such  a 
measure,  among    his  ancient   people  the  Jews,  when  it 
informs  us,  that  ''They  who  feared  the  Lord,  spake  of- 
ten one  to  another,    and  the  Lord  hearkened  and  heard 
it,"  and  declared,  that  they  should  be  "  his,  in  the  day 
when   he  made  up  his  jewels  ;"  and  in  addition  to  this, 
affords  us  a  most  special  and  gracious  promise,  for  the 
encouragement    of  christians    in    all   succeeding   ages, 
when  our  Saviour   assures  his  disciples,    that  if  even, 
*' any  two  of  them   shall  agree  on  earth,  touching  any 
thing  that  they  shall  ask,  it   shall  be  done  for  them  by 
his  Father,   who   is   in    heaven  ;"  for  said  he,  "  where 
two   or    three  are  gathered  together  in  my  name,  there 
am  1  in  the  midst  of  them." 
Influenced  therefore  by  these  considerations,  and  trust- 
ing that  our  views  and   intentions  are  pure  and  upright, 
with  earnest  desires,  and  animating  hopes,  that  God  may 
by  his  counsel  direct,  and  by  his  blessing  prosper,  our 
pious   undertaking,  we  whose  names  are  hereunto  sub- 
scribed, do  agree, 

L  That  a  Society  shall  be  formed  for  the  purposes 
above  expressed,  to  consist  of  persons  professing  god- 
liness, and  maintaining  a   conversation  becoming  the 


16  BIOGH-VPHICAL    SKETCH. 

gospel  of  Christ,  wilhout  any  regard  being  bad  to  the 
denominations  to  which  they  belong,  or  the  names  by 
which  they  are  distinguished. 

2.  That  the  exercises  performed  in  the  Society, 
shall  be  sacred  singing,  prayer,  and  exhortation,  or 
reading  some  portion  of  the  word  of  God,  or  of  other 
books  of  practical  religion,  generally  approved, 

3.  That  when  a  minister  or  preacher  of  good  stand- 
ins:,  of  any  denomination,  shall  be  present,  he  shall  be 
invited,  or  have  liberty,  to  address  the  Society  on  any- 
subject  of  religion,  only  avoiding,  as  much  as  possible, 
all  topics  of  controversy, 

4.  That  the  first  meetinir  nf  the  Society,  shall  be  on 
Wednesday  e^ening,  the  16tb  of  the  present  month, 
and  that  its  future  meetine;s  shall  be  continued  regular- 
ly, on  the  same  eveninsr*  every  fortnight,  or  at  such 
other  times  as  the  Society  may  hereafter  find  to  be 
most  convenient  and  advisable  ;  and  that  all  its  meet- 
ings shall  be  attended  by  the  members  with  as  much 
punctuality,  as  their  circumstances  will  possibly  per- 
mit. 

5.  That  reffular  members  choosing  to  withdraw  from 
their  connexion  with  the  Society,  shall  have  liberty  to 
do  it,  without  beins:  considered  as  incurrins:  blanje  or 
reproach  on  that  account  ;  but  that  members  whose 
immoral  conduct,  or  irregular  behaviour,  may  be  inju- 
rious to  the  credit  or  interest  of  the  Society,  shall  be 
excluded. 

6.  That  persons  not  in  connexion  with  the  Society, 
but  desirous  of  attending  its  meetings,  and  behaving 
seriously  and  (\ecent\y,  shall  be  allowed  to  frequent 
them,  when  they  think  proper." 


BIOGRAPHICAL   ^KETCH,  17 

We  give  the  plan  of  this  Society  at  large,  in  this 
Memoir,  because,  so  far  as  we  know,  it  was  the  first  of 
the  kind  proposed  in  our  country  ;  and  because  if  is  an 
exhibition  of  sound  sense  and  judgment,  is  a  good 
model  for  imitation,  and  happily  express  the  pious 
and  bene\olent  feelings  of  its  author,  at  this  eaily  peri- 
od of  his  ministry.  We  know  not  whether  this  plan 
ever  went  info  operation. 

Until  the  fall  of  1788,  Mr.  Keith  continued  the  affec- 
tionate and  faithful  pastor  of  the  church  in  Alexandria; 
when,  having  received  and  accepted  a  call  to  settle 
as  colleague  pastor  wilh  the  Rev.  William  Hollings- 
HEAD,  over  the  Independent  or  Congregational  church 
in  Charleston,  S.  Carolina,  he  removed  to  that  city, 
and  was  inaugurated  at  the  close  of  November,  in  the 
year  above  mentionet'.* 

With  what  acceptance  he  fulfilled  his  eight  years 
ministry  to  the  Congregation  in  Alexandria,  we  learn 
by  the  following  extract  fioin  their  rem*)nstraiiCf  to  the 
Presbytery,  against  his  dismission,  dated  Sr-pt.  10, 
178a.  They  say,  "  In  the  suumier  of  Ifi  0,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Keith  became  pastor  of  this  church,  by  the  accep- 
tance of  our  call  ;  and  e\er  since  that  period  has  stood 
high  in  the  estimation  of  all  denominations,  and  particu- 
larly so  with  his  own,  whose  exertions  for  his  accommo- 
dation are  perhaps  utjequalled,  and  sufficiently  evidence 
their  regard  and  attachment.  There  have  subsisted  no 
feuds  nor  animosities  to  disturb  the  peace  of  our  church, 
to  render  his  residence  here  uncotnfortable  to  himself, 
or  bis  labours  unprofitable  to  the  people."  To  this 
■we  subjoin  the  certificate  of  his  **  disniission  from  the 

*  See  his  Inaugural  Sermon,  p.  49j  of  this  Work. 
3 


18  BIOGKAPHICAIi    SKETCH. 

Presbytery  to  which  he  belonged,  as  a  further  testimo- 
nial of  the  high  estimation  in  which  he  was  held. 

"in  presbytery,  BALTIMORE,  SEPT.  16,  1788. 

A  CALL  was  handed  to  the  Rev.  Isaac  S.  Keith,  from 
Ihe  Independent  or  Congregational  Church  in  Charles- 
ton, S.  Carolina,  inviting  hira  to  take  the  pastoral  charge 
thereof,  in  conjunction  with  the  Rev.  William  Hollings- 
head,  of  which,  after  some  pause,  with  due  solemnity, 
he  signified  his  acceptance. 

The  Presbytery,  therefore,  do  hereby  declare  the 
pastoral  relation  between  the  Rev.  haac  S.  Keith,  and 
the  Presbyterian  church  in  Alexandria  dissolved,  dis- 
miss him  from  their  body,  to  undertake  the  charge  of 
the  church  in  Charleston  aforesaid,  in  conjunction  with 
the  Rev.  William  Hollingshead,  recommendinghim  very 
affectionately  to  both,  as  a  valuable  evangelical  minis- 
ter of  the  fairest  character,  and  fervently  pray,  that 
they  may  remain  long  together,  in  perfect  harmony, 
for  mutual  edification,  and  the  promotion  of  true  reli- 
gion. 

Signed,  Patrick  allison,  ModW,'^ 

"By  the  removal  of  this  worthy  minister  of  Christ,  he 
was  placed  in  a  more  elevated  and  conspicuous  station 
in  the  church,  and  a  wider  field  of  usefulness  was  open- 
ed to  him.  How  faithfully,  piously,  and  acceptably, 
he  filled  this  station,  and  occupied  this  field,  is  witness- 
ed by  very  many  witnesses  ;  particularly  by  the  high- 
ly respectable  testimonial,  inserted  at  the  close  of  the 
preface  to  this  work,  and  by  the  tears  of  deep  felt  sor- 
row shed  at  his  sudden  decease,  not  only  by  his  affection- 
ate and  beloved  flock ;  but  by  thousands  of  others  \u 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  19 

different  parts  of  our  country,  who  had  either  shared 
in  the  pleasure  and  benefit  of  his  acquaintance  and  cor- 
respondence, been  partakers  of  his  liberal  and  affec- 
tionate hospitality,  or  enjoyed  the  fruits  of  his  hearty 
and  widely  extended  benevolence.  The  heart  of  no 
one,  it  is  believed,  was  evermore  uniformly  and  ardent- 
ly set  on  doing  good,  than  that  of  Dr.  Keilh.  He  was 
willing  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  the  service  of  God,  and 
of  his  fellow  men.  In  afflictions,  by  repeated  bereave- 
ment of  friends  whom  he  loved  as  his  own  soul,  and  under 
trials  of  a  very  different  nature,  and  still  more  wound- 
ing and  perplexing  to  his  pious  heart,  he  exhibited  a 
spirit  of  meekness,  patience,  and  forbearance,  highly 
becoming  the  christian  character,  and  which  plainly  in- 
dicated that  he  had  taken  Him  for  his  pattern,  "  who 
when  he  was  reviled,  reviled  not  again;  when  he  suf- 
fered, he  threatened  not;  but  committed  himself  to  him 
that  judgeth  righteously." 

In  the  establishment  and  subsequent  measures  of  sev- 
eral benevolent,  pious,  and  charitable  Institutions,  par- 
ticularly a  "  Society  for  promoting  the  interests  of  re- 
ligion," in  180*2,  and  the  "  Charleston  Bible  Society,"  in 
1810,  Dr.  Keitli  contributed  liberally,  both  of  his  prop- 
erty and  influence.  He  was  ready  to  every  good  work  ; 
and  seemed  never  weary  in  well  doing. 

Dr.  Keith's  Epistolary  talents  will  be  apparent  to 
the  readers  of  this  volume.  Letters  to  friends,  written 
as  were  those  in  this  volume,  utter,  more  than  any  other 
writings,  the  feelings  of  the  heart.  These  letters  ex- 
hibit the  writer,  in  the  various  characters  of  husband, 
brother,  friend,  comforter,  and  patriot,  to  peculiar  ad- 
vantage. Dr.  Keith  maintained,  during  his  public  life,  the 
latter  part  of  it  espfecially,  an  extensive  and  voluminous 


so  JBIOGRArHTCAI,   SKETCH. 

correspon<Ience.  His  frequent  visits  to  the  Northern 
Sfale?  to.  the  benefit  of  b^s  health,  made  hin  acquainted 
with  a  large  portion  of  his  ministerial  brethi-en,  besides 
many  of  the  most  respectable  of  the  laitj  ;  and  in  con- 
sequence, the  invalids  of  the  Noith,  \^hen  visiting  the 
South,  in  quest  of  healjh,  were,  in  great  numbers,  intro- 
duced to  hi(n,  and  received  from  him  ever  those  kind  at- 
tentions and  christi  .n  consolations,  which  secured  their 
afTectiouate  esteem  and  grateful  reiiienibrance.  Many 
of  the  most  respectable  people  in  the  United  Spates, 
and  the  most  distinguished  christians,  were  numbered 
among  his  friends. 

l)i.  Ktiih  was  the  affecllonafe  and  provident  hus- 
band, in  succession,  of  three  wi\es.  Tlie  first,  to  whom 
he  was  married  shortly  after  his  removal  to  Charleston, 
•w.'s  Miss  Hannah  Sproar,  daughter  of  the  pious  and 
Tenerable  Dr.  Sproat,  then  senior  pastor  of  Arch-Street 
church,  in  Philadelphia.  She  was,  by  her  fervent  pie- 
ty and  prayers,  truly  a  helper  and  coiriforter  of  her 
husband,  in  his  ministerial  work  and  trials.  This  bless- 
ing, which  he  highly  appreciated,  he  was  permitted  to 
enjoy  but  a  few  years.  On  the  \3ib  of  Sept.  ir96, she 
departed  this  life  in  a  triumphant  faith,  and  in  that 
christian  hope,  that  is  full  of  immortality. 

His  second  wil^e,  to  whom  he  was  married  on  the  third 
of  April,  I7y8,  was  Miss  Catharine  Legare,  daughter  of 
Tliomas  Legare,  Esq.  of  Charleston,  a  lady  held  in  high 
estimation  for  her  various  accomplishments,  her  piety 
and  worth  of  character.  In  a  letter  to  his  brother, of  May 
irys,  speaking  of  the  event  of  his  marriage,  and  of  his 
wife,  he  says,  *'  She  is  a  very  worthy  branch,  of  a  very 
worthy  and  respectable  family,  that  has  been  eminent- 


BIOGHAPHICAI.   SKETCH.  21 

ly  dlsHngiiished  by  the  grace  ot"  God.  Her  great 
grandfaJher  was  driveij  hy  flie  violem  hand  or]>ei>eru- 
tion,  froni  France,  during;  the  leigii  of  Louis  the  four- 
teenth. Her  father,  for  a  long  coni^e  of  years,  has 
been  ianked  amonj]!;  the  first  here  in  chrisiian  knowl- 
edge and  experience."  With  this  beloved  companion, 
lie  Ii\ed  little  ojoie  than  five  ^ears.  After  siitiVfing 
under  a  lingering  and  a  slowly  waist ing  disease,  on  the 
loth  of  May,  1803,  she  finished  her  eacthly  touise, 
enjoying  in  her  last  moments,  "  a  solid,  settled  ppa«  e 
in  belie\ing  ;  and  in  the  morning  of  the  Lord's  day,»-n- 
(ered  npon  her  eternal  sabbath,  among  the  spirits  of 
the  just  made  perfect  in  the  kingdom  of  their  Ktrdeen:- 
er  "  His  last  wife,  was  Miss  Jane  Huxharn,  a  native 
of  Exeter  in  England,  who  survives  him  as  his  widow  ; 
of  whoai,  of  course,  delicacy  forbids  that  we  should 
Bay  more,  than  that  she  (feserved  and  shared  lar-ely 
in  the  aflections  of  her  husband,  while  he  lived,  and 
also,  and  still,  in  the  esteem  and  cordial  affile f ions  of 
his  numerous  and  respectable  fiiends. 

Though  Dr.  Keith  died  withoul  issiie,  he  fi-ifilled 
the  duties  of  a  kind  and  liberal  parent  to  «e\eial  adopt- 
ed children.  On  this  subject,  in  a  letter  to  a  b lend, 
of  June  'JOth,  IVM],  in  which  he  gives  a  particular  ac- 
count of  his  father's  faadly,  he  says,  "  My  brother 
John,  like  myself,  has  no  children.  May  we  have  an 
interest  in  the  new,  sure,  well  ordered,  and  e^  eriasting 
covenant  of  grace,  and  a  name  in  the  church  and  fami- 
ly of  God,  which  will  be  better  than  any  nurriber,  even 
of  the  most  worthy  and  amiable  of  sons  and  daughters." 
The  excellent  funeral  discourse  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Flinn,  which  follows    this  skelchj^  in  which  the  charac- 


2€  BIOGRAPHICAI.    SKETCH. 

lev  of  <Lis  worthy  and  good  man  is  eloquently  and  justly 
portrayed,  renders  it  unnecessary  here  to  add  more  on 
this  topic.  The  following  well  written,  and  just  notice 
of  his  death  and  character,  which  appeared  at  the  tiaie 
in  the  public  papers,  deserves,  however,  to  be  here  pre^ 
served. 

"Departed  this  life,  on  the  14th  of  December,  1813, 
the  Rev.  Isaac  Stockton  Keith,  in  the  59th  year 
of  his  age.  For  upwards  of  25  years  he  officiated  as 
one  of  the  pastors  of  the  Independent  church  of  this 
city  ;  in  which  station  he  zealously  promoted  the 
cause  of  religion,  and  successfully  promulgated  the 
doctrine  contained  in  Holy  Writ,  to  the  honor  of  that 
religion  and  himself,  and  the  promotion  of  the  eternal 
welfare  and  happiness  of  those,  who  were  so  favoured 
as  to  sit  under  his  ministry.  In  manners  he  was  mild, 
gentle  and  conciliating  ;  in  his  disposition,  charitable, 
humane  and  hospitable  ;  his  hands,  his  house,  his 
heart,  were  ever  open  to  suffering  humanity  ;  to  be 
known  in  distress,  in  want,  and  worthy  of  relief,  was  asuf- 
cient  passport  to  his  protection  and  assistance.  While 
his  mind  was  in  a  state  of  activity,  which  was  till  within  a 
few  hours  of  his  dissolution,  his  lips  were  ever  employ- 
ed in  the  service,  and  for  the  promotion  of  the  best 
happiness  of  mankind.  In  life,  he  was  useful  in  an  em- 
inent degree  ;  in  death,  he  may  be  still  so,  if  we  but 
contemplate  his  virtues,  and  endeavour  to  imitate  his 
goodness,  and  obey  those  precepts,  which  he  recom- 
mended^  and  constantly  enforced  by  his  practice." 


FUNERAL  DISCOURSE, 


COMMEMORATIVE    OP    THE 


REV  ISAAC  STOCKTON  KEITH,  D.D. 

ONE    OF    THE    MINISTERS    OF   THE    INDEPENDENT  OR  CONGRBGA.- 
TIONAL    CHURCH    IN  CHARLESTO  N,    S.    C. 


DELIVERED  IN  THE  CIRCULAR  CHURCH,  JAN.  4,  1814 


AT  THE  REQ^UEST  OF  THE 


BOARD  OF  MANAGERS 


or  THE    CHARIESTON   BIBLE    SOCIETT* 


BY   REV.   ANDREW     FLINN,    D.D. 

PASTOR  OF  TH&  PRKSBYtBfilAN  CHURCH  IN   CHARiKSTON,  S.  C. 


MONDW,  JANUARY,  10,  1814. 

At  a  stated  meeting  of  the  Managers  of  the  Bible  Society  of  Charles^ 
ton,  at  the  house  ©/"gen.  c    c.   pinkney,  President. 

Resolved,  that  the  thanks  of  this  Board  be  presented  to  the  Rever- 
end Dr  Flinn,  for  his  eloquent  and  apprfpriate  Discourse,  preached  on 
the  occasion  of  the  death  of  the  bte  Rev.  Dr.  Keith,  one  of  the  Vice- 
Preside.its  of  the  Bible  Society  :  and  also  that  the  Kev.  Dr.  Flinn,  be 
fequested  to  cause  the  sa.ne  to  be  published. 

(Extract  from  the  Minutes ) 

T.  JFUKD,  llecording  Secretary, 


A   FUNERAL   DISCOURSE 

COMMEMORATIVE    OF 

THE  REV.  ISAAC   S.  KEITH,  D.D. 

PSALM    XII.    1. 

HELP,  LORD,  FOR   THE   GODLY    MAN  CEASETH  ;    FOR   THE    FAITH- 
FUL    FAIL    FROM    AMONG     THE     CHILDREN    OF    MEN' 

1  HE  mysterious  dispensation  of  heaven,  which  has 
summoned  us,  this  day,  lo  the  house  of  God,  is  of  the 
most  afllicting  nature.  It  has  shed  a  gloom  upon  the 
whole  community  :  it  has  hung  our  temples  with  the 
emblems  of  mourning  ;  has  covered  with  sables,  an 
extensive  congregation,  and  filled  with  sorrow  a  thou- 
sand hearts.  The  stroke  which  has  prostrated  a  state- 
ly pillar  in  the  Lord's  house,  has  awakened  the  sensi- 
bilities of  our  city.  A  great  man  has  fallen  in  the  Is- 
rael of  God  !  An  ambassador  of  Jesus  Christ  has  been 
called  home  from  among  us  !  One  of  the  Lord's  min- 
isters is  dead  !  Our  friend  and  brother  is  no  more  ! 
No,  "  it  is  no  illusion  5"  "  the  urn  which  bore"  his 
ashes  before  us  ;  the  streams  of  anguish  which  follow- 
ed ;  the  sombre  aspect  of  this  bereaved  temple  ;  the 
"  sad  and  sorrowful  weeds'*  which  cover  this  assembly ; 
the  tear  of  affliction,  which  has  not  yet  ceased  to  flow, 
with  united  voice,  though  in  mournful  accents,  which 
melt  the  soul,  declare  the  painful  truth,  that  our  Keith 
has  gone  down  to  the  land  of  silence  !  Evidences  of 
the  mournful  event,  and  of  the  universal  feeling  which 


26  A    FUNERAL    DIRCOURSE. 

it  has  excited,  every  where  present  themse'ivek.  iue 
tear  which  stole  down  the  cheek  of  the  veiierable  rjf?ai! 
of  God,  on  that  day  when  this  bereaving  sdoke  of  heav- 
en left  him  alone,  to  bear  the  pre^^sure  of  thrs  great 
people,  spoke  t!ie  sorrows  of  his  heart.  Here  a  very 
i5ged  and  vencrtibie  minister  of  2:race,  though  belonging 
to  another  branch  of  the  church,  with  a  liberality  that 
does  him  honor,  exclaims,  "  I  am  near  seventy  years 
old,  and  I  never  knew  a  more  excellent  minister  of  Je- 
sus Christ,  of  any  denomination  :^*  there,  the  states- 
man, and  the  Soidier,  with  a  saddened  cotinTenance, 
testifies  of  hmi,  "  he  was  a  y^ood  inan,  he  deserved 
every  mark  of  respect  which  can  be  showed  to  his  mem- 
ory." Here,  I  behold  another  venerable  minister  of 
Christ,  stooping  beneath  the  pressure  of  years  ;  stand- 
ing on  the  margin  of  the  tomb,  which  has  received  the 
ashes  of  our  departed  brother,  while  ihQ  tear  of  affec- 
tion rolls  down  his  cheek,  exclaiming,  "  long  will  the 
name  of  this  great  and  good  man  be  had  in  remembrance  !'* 
There  weeps  the  humble  African,  who  had  been  wont 
to  sit  at  the  {&^i  of  this  excellent  servant  of  Jesus 
Christ,  to  receive  instruction,  crying,  **  My  shepherd 
is  gone,  my  father  is  dead."  Tlerey  a  whole  congre- 
gation of  the  Lord's  people,  duoib  with  grief,  and  over- 
whelmed with  sorrow,  gathers  round  the  altar  w  here  he 
used  to  minister,  while  their  tears,  and  their  sobs, 
speak  the  anguish  of  their  souls.  Yonder,  disconsolate, 
and  sorrowful,  in  the  chamber  of  death,  sits  an  afflicted 
widow,  while  she  tells  of  the  virtues  of  him,  who  "  was 
a  good  husband  ;  a  true  friend,  and  a  faithful  guide." 
What  impressive  evidences,  these,  of  the  universal 
affliction,  which  this  bereavement  has  occasioned  !  Ho\f 
honorable  to  the  living  !  How  just  to  the  dead  I 


A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSE.  1i 

Amidst  this  general  mourning,   of  which  all  are  par- 
takers, the  Bible  Society  of  Charleston,  formed  for  the 
purpose  of  giving  a   more    extensive  diffusion  to  the 
word  of  life,    and  of  shedding  upon  the  cheerless  man- 
sion of  poverty,  the  light  of  vsalvalion  ;  of  which  Socie- 
ty, the  deceased  was  an  active,  zealous,  and  highly  re- 
spected cfScer,  cannot  remain  indifferent-     Feeling  its 
full  proportion  of  sorrow,   and  "hearing  its   badges  of 
wo,''   it  presents  itself  before  these  aitars  to  day,  trem- 
bling under  this  awful  stroke  of  the  Almighty.     In  hav- 
ing commanded    me  to  speak  of  departed  worth,  it  has 
only  made  me  the  humble  organ  of  giving  expression  to 
the  anguish,  which  it  feels,  on  this  melancholy  occasion. 
I    approach    the    task   assigned  me   with    diffidence. 
Standing  in  the  place  where  this  minister  of  God  has  so 
often  stood  ;  in  presesice  of  a  bereaved    and    aflSicted 
people,  I  feel  able  to  do  little  more  than  lift  up  my  voice, 
and  weep.     On   such  an  occasion,  and  under  such  cir- 
cumstances,  the    pathetic  exclamation  of  the   ancient 
church,  which   has  been  pronounced  in  your  hearing, 
seems  natural    and    proper.     "  Help,    Lord,    for    the 
godly  man  cease th  ;  for  the   faithful   fail   from   among 
the  children   of  men  !"     In  these  words  the  Psalmist 
describes  a  character,    and   assumes  a  principle.     The 
two  leading  features    in   the    character  described,  are 
godliness    and    faithfulness.      The    principle    assumed 
seems  to  be  this  :  that  the   removal   by  death,  of  men 
eminent  for  their  piety  and  usefulness,  is  to  the  living  a 
sore  calamity. 

In  preparing  the  subject  for  an  application  suited  to 
the  afflicting  circumstances,  under  which  we  are  now 
assembled,  I  will  follow  this  natural  order  of  the  text. 


28  A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSE 

I.  I  will  endeavonr  to  present  you  with  a  just  view 
of  the  character  described,  by  illustrating  the  two  prom- 
inent features  of  it,  which  are  specified  in  the  text  ; 
godliness  and  faithfulness. 

II.  I  will  establish  the  principle  which  the  text  as- 
sumes, viz.  that  the  removal,  by  death,  of  men  eminent 
for  piety  and  usefulness,  is,  to  the  living,  a  sore  calami- 
ty. This  is  the  plan  of  oiir  discourse.  And  now,  may 
that  Jesus,  who  sits  as  King  upon  the  holy  hilj  of  Zion  ; 
who  covers,  with  a  cloud,  the  face  of  his  throne  ;  who 
has  sorely  afflicted  us,  and  has  given  us  "  the  wine  of 
astonishment  to  drink,"  be  with  us  on  this  occasion  ! 
May  the  light  of  his  countenance  gild  the  glooms,  which 
have  settled  upon  this  assembly. 

I.  I  am  then,  in  the  first  place,  to  present  you  with 
a  just  view  of  the  character  here  described,  by  illus- 
trating the  two  prominent  features  of  it,  which  are  spec- 
ified in  the  text ;  godliness  and  faithfulness. 

These  expressive  terms  have  reference  to,  and  em- 
brace the  duties  enjoined,  both  by  the  first  and  second 
tables  of  the  law.  Godliness  is  a  relative  term,  and  is 
most  extensive  in  its  signification.  It  refers  to  God, 
and  consists  in  being  like  him  ;  in  having  the  true  fear 
of  God  in  the  heart,  leading  to  purity  and  fervor  in  his 
worship. 

It  is,  perhaps,  impossible,  as  a  celebrated  divine  just- 
ly observes,  to  bring  within  the  scope  of  what  is  called 
a  definition,  an  adequate  idea  of  the  term  godliness. 
It  is  evident,  from  a  declaration  of  St.  Paul  to  Timo- 
thy, that  it  embraces  the  whole  of  practical  religion  : 
<*  godliness,"  says  he,  **  is  profitable  to  all  things,  hav- 
ing the  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is,  and  of  that  which 


A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSE  29 

Sauriii  reduces  it  to  these  four  ideas, 
<*  knowledge  in  the  itjind,  by  which  it  is  distinguiished 
from  the  visions  of  the  superstitious  ;  rectitude  in  the 
conscience,  by  which  it  is  distinguished  from  hypocri- 
sy ;  self-denial  in  (he  life,  by  which  it  is  distinguished 
from  the  unmeaning  obedience  of  him  who  goes  as  a 
happy  constitution  leads  liim  ;  and  lastly,  zeal  in  the 
heart,  by  which  it  is  distinguished  from  the  languishing 
emotions  of  the  lukewarm." 

If  godliness  consists  in  a  conformity  with  the  image, 
and  obedience  to  the  laws  of  God,   which   will  not  be 
questioned,  it   necessarily   implies  a  saving  knowledge 
of  the  divine  character  ;  a   correct    knowledge  of  his 
laws,  and   a    hearty  approbation  of  his  statutes.     No 
man  can  rationally  conform  to  rules,  of  which  be  knows 
nothing  ;  nor  can  he   yield  an  acceptable  obedience  to 
laws,  with  which  he  is  not  acquainted,  or  whicH  he  does 
not  approve.     His  obedience,   in  this  case,  even  could 
it  be  made  to  meet  the  letter  of  the  law,  would  be  essen- 
tially deficient  in  principle  ;  for  God  acknowledges  no 
obedience,  which  does  not  flow  from  a  principle  of  love. 
Now-,  since  the  sacred  oracles  are   the  great  repository 
of  divine  truth,  and  are  stampt   with   divine  authority  ; 
since  the  image  of  God  is  there  delineated;  his  laws  and 
statutes  there  recorded,   it  follows,  that  godliness  sup- 
poses a  knowledge  of  the  Holy  Volume,  together  with 
a  conformity  of  heart  and    life,  to  the   doctrines,   and 
precepts  therein    contained.     It  is  thus  that  the  godly 
man,  deducing  the  rules  of  his  duty,  and  the  maxims  of 
his  life,  from  the  fountain  of  truth,  and  the  stores  of  di- 
vine  knowledge,   differs  from  the  child  of  superstition, 
whose  rules  are  visionary,    and    whose  maxims  are  the 
fictions  of  a  bewildered  mind. 


30  A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSE. 

Sincerity  of  soul  is  another  essential  property  of  true 
godliness.  The  godlj  man,  is  a  man  of  simplicitj. 
To  purify  his  heart  from  guile,  is  the  great  business  of 
his  life.  No  hypocritical  professions  of  affection, 
which  he  never  felt,  or  obedience,  which  he  never 
yielded,  are  permitted  to  enter  into  his  character.  In 
simplicity  of  heart,  and  sincerity  of  soul,  as  in  every 
other  virtue,  he  feels  bound  to  resemble  God,  who  is 
infinitely  sincere  in  all  the  professions  which  he  makes, 
of  affection  for  his  creatures.  The  constant  endeavour 
of  the  pious  man  is  to  act  in  such  a  way,  as  will  enable  him 
to  carry  his  appeal,  with  Peter,  to  the  omniscience  of 
Jesus.  "  Lord,  thou  knowest  all  things,  thou  knowest 
that  I  love  thee."  Afraid  lest  hypocrisy  should  lurk 
in  his  bosom,  he  sends  up  his  cries  to  Him,  who  trieth 
the  reins,  "  Search  me,  O  God  !  and  know  my  heart : 
try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts,  and  see  if  there  be  any 
wicked  way  in  me,  and  lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting." 

A  third  property  of  true  godliness,  is  self-denial  in 
the  life  ;  a  steady  opposition  of  soul  to  every  evil  pro- 
pensity. The  question  with  the  pious  man  is  not,  what 
will  be  most  agreeable  to  the  current  of  the  carnal 
heart  ?  What  will  be  most  conducive  to  my  worldly 
interest,  or  temporal  honor  ?  But  what  will  be  most 
pleasing  to  God,  most  agreeable  to  the  revelation  of  his 
will,  or  most  conducive  to  the  honor  of  his  name  ?  Liv- 
ing "  the  life  which  he  lives  in  the  flesh,  by  the  faith 
of  the  Son  of  God  ;"  pressing  "  towards  the  mark,  for 
the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God,  in  Christ  Jesus  :" 
urging  his  passage  on,  in  pursuit  of  "  a  better  country," 
with  "  holiness  to  the  Lord"  as  his  motto,  written  upon 
the  palm  of  his  right  hand,  he  willingly  "  denies 
all  ungodliness,  and  every  worldly  lust,  and  lives  so* 


A    J^UNERAL    DISCOURSE.  31 

berly,  righteously,  and  godly  in  this  present  evil  world." 
Finally,  supreme  love  to  God,  and  zeal  for  the  honor  of 
Emmanuel,  burning  in  his  heart,  imparting  light,  life, 
and  vigor  to  all  his  other  virtues,  crown  the  character 
of  the  godly  man. 

Born  from  above,  created  anew  in  Christ  Jesus  ; 
having  the  principles  of  holiness  implanted  in  his  heart, 
and  the  features  of  the  divine  image  retraced  upon  his 
soul ;  his  mind  stored  with  heavenly  knowledge  ;  waxm- 
ed,  and  animated  with  sincere  love  to  God,  the  pious 
man  is  found  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty  to  men. 
This  fait hful/iess  displays  itself  in  a  proper  attention 
to  the  rights,  and  to  the  wants  of  men.  The  rights  of 
men,  for  I  here  use  the  word  in  its  proper  sense,  are 
such  as  are  founded  upon  the  relations  in  which  they 
are  placed,  as  creatures  of  God,  or  as  members  of  do- 
mestic, social,  civil,  or  religious  society.  The  wants 
of  men,  which  the  faithful  servant  of  Jesus  Christ  re- 
gards, equally  with  their  perfect  rights,  are  such  as  are 
occasioned  by  the  scanty  possession,  or  painful  be- 
reavement, of  the  blessings  of  Providence,  by  the  pains, 
and  sicknesses,  the  agonies,  sorrows  and  ills,  "  that 
flesh  is  heir  to."  To  all  the  various  classes,  of  which 
the  great  human  family  is  composed,  the  servant  of 
God  feels  that  he  sustains  a  particular,  and  important 
relation.  The  nature  of  this  relation  points  him  to  his 
duty,  in  the  conscientious  discharge  of  which,  his  fidel- 
ity consists.  The  cardinal  virtues  of  justice,  charity 
and  truth,  shed  their  lustre  round  his  character.  Up- 
on his  heart  is  engraved  the  rule  of  life,  which  his  Sav- 
iour has  given  ;  "  Whatsoever  ye  would  that  men  should 
do  to  you,  do  ye  even  the  same  to  them."  Influenced 
by  this,  he  is  just  to  the  property,  and  to  the  feelings 
of  others.     Jle   is.  the  faithful  guardian  of  his  neigh- 


32  A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSE. 

hour's  good  name.  He  fake?  not  up  an  ill  report,  nor 
does  he  give  countenance  to  the  bassk  assassin  of  char- 
acter. He  is  the  failhful  husband,  the  tender  parent, 
the  humane  master,  if  God  have  placed  him  in  those 
relations  ;  the  benevolent  and  obliging  neighbour  ;  the 
honest  and  useful  citizen.  United  to  the  great  original 
of  goodness  and  love,  by  the  holy  dispositions  he  has 
received  from  on  high  ;  his  heart  warmed  and  expanded 
by  the  benign  principles  of  love  to  God,  he  embraces, 
as  his  brethren,  the  whole  human  race.  In  him  the 
stranger  finds  a  friend  ;  the  widow,  a  husband  ;  and 
the  orphan,  a  father.  He  wipes  the  tear  from  the 
cheek  of  misery  ;  sheds  light,  and  joy  through  the 
mansion  of  poverty,  and  lights  up  a  smile  on  the  bed  of 
pain.  Having  known,  by  experience,  the  truth  and 
importance  of  the  things  of  God,  he  is  faithful  to  the 
eternal  interests  of  men.  While  he  relieves  the  tem- 
poral wants  of  the  sinner,  he  administers  also  to  the 
maladies  of  his  soul.  Now  he  remonstrates  with  the 
wicked  man,  while  he  tells  him  of  the  terrors  of  the 
Lord  ;  and  now  he  holds  up  the  trembling  penitent, 
while  he  tells  him  of  the  love  of  Jesus,  and  by  pointing 
him  to  the  blood  of  the  covenant,  assuages  the  sorrows 
of  his  bleeding  heart.  Having  himself  beheld,  in  the 
lively  oracles,  the  light  of  salvation,  and  experienced 
the  virtue  of  the  streams  which  flowed  from  the  cross, 
he  anxiously  endeavours  to  send  this  revelation  from 
God,  to  those  who  are  perishing  "  for  lack  of  vision." 
This  is  the  character  described  in  the  text  ;  devoted  to 
God,  and  faithful  to  man  ;  bearing  the  glory  of  Jesus^ 
and  reflecting,  in  some  degree,  the  lustre  of  the  moral 
attributes  of  God.  This  is  the  man  who  sheds  light, 
and  diffuses  blessings,  upon  all  around  him.     While  ad- 


A    FUNERAL    DISOURSE.  o3 

mitted  to  nearness  and  communion  with  God,  he  is  an 
honor  and  a  blessing  to  the  land  in  which  he  lives. 
That  the  removal  of  such  characters,  by  the  stroke  of 
death,  is,  both  to  the  church,  and  to  the  world,  a  sore 
calamity,  is  a  proposition  evidently  founded  on  the 
ieKt,  This  brings  us  to  the  second  general  division  of 
our  subject,  which  requires  us, 

II.  To  establish  the  principle,  assumed  by  the  Psalm- 
ist, that  the  removal,  by  death,  of  men  eminent  for 
their  piety  and  usefulness,  is,  to  the  living,  a  sore  ca- 
lamity. "Help,  Lord,  for  the  godly  man  ceaseth;  for 
the  faithful  fail  from  among  the  children  of  men.'* 

That  the  removal  from  our  world,  of  such  excellent 
characters  is  a  sore  calamity,  will  appear  e\ident  if  we 
reQoct,  for  a  aioment,  upon  the  vast  chasm  which  their 
death  has  occasioned  in  society.  Men  of  such  distin- 
guished virtues  fill  up  a  large  space.  They  are  stars 
of  superior  magnitude.  The  histre  which  they  shed 
around  them  enlightens,  cheers,  and  animates  extensive 
regions.  Under  their  benign  influence,  in  a  restricted 
sense,  the  deserts  rejoice,  and  the  solitary  places  are 
glad.  But  when  stricken  from  their  orbs,  in  an  evil 
hour,  by  the  resistless  hand  of  death,  what  darkness  en- 
sues !  Ilow  cheerless  appear  those  regions,  which  be- 
fore were  flourishing  as  the  garden  of  God  !  But  a  lit- 
tle while  ago,  benignant  beams  were  seen  to  glitter  on 
the  glooms,  which  had  settled  in  the  chamber  of  afflic- 
tion and  death  ;  but  these  beams  are  seen  no  more  ! 
A  light  was  discovered  in  the  mansion  of  sorrow,  where 
"  Poverty  kept  the  door  ;"  but  this  light  has  gone  out ! 
•'*  The  wintry  blast,  howls  through  the  habitation," 
while  deeper  glooms,  unpierced  by  a  single  ray,  have 
thickened  upon  the  deserted  sufferer  !     Of  what  im- 


34  A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSE. 

mense  importance  to  the  comfort  and  well  being  of  so- 
ciety, is  the  life  of  godlj  and  faithful  men  !  They  are 
blessings  to  the  world  ;  but  the  extent  of  the  blessing 
is  seldom  known  till  they  are  dead.  How  many  are 
looking  up  to  them  for  counsel,  in  the  hour  of  perplexi" 
ity  ;  for  consolation,  in  the  day  of  adversity  ;  for  suc- 
cour, in  time  of  distress  ;  for  their  prayers,  in  the  tem- 
pestuous night  of  divine  visitation  ! !  But  now,  that 
they  are  gone,  how  many  faces  must  gather  paleness  ! 
how  many  hearts  burst  with  angj-ish  !  how  many 
chords  are  snapf  a'^nnder  !  what  breaches  are  made  in 
the  happiness  of  all  ! 

2.  The  removal,  by  death,  of  men  eminent  for  piety 
and  usefulness,  is,  to  the  living,  a  sore  calamity,  be- 
cause the  sum  of  virtue,  with  all  the  blessings  which 
flow  from  that  fruitful  source,  is  thereby  diminished. 
The  real  happiness  of  society  will  always  bear  a  just 
proportion  to  tlie  solid  virtue  which  is  found  in  it  ;  and 
on  the  other  hand,  in  the  same  proportion  that  vice  tri- 
umphs, will  the  happiness,  and  glory  of  a  people  lan- 
guish. Vice  will  always  be  kept  down  in  proportion 
to  the  weight  of  virtue  opposed  to  it.  Whatever, 
therefore,  diminishes  the  sum  of  virtue,  gives  a  pro- 
portional spring  to  vice,  with  all  the  miseries  which 
flow  from  it.  In  this  sense  it  may  be  said  that  the 
death  of  every  good  man,  however  obscure,  is  a  calam- 
ity to  the  living,  because  the  sum  of  virtue,  and  con- 
sequently the  sum  of  happiness,  is  thereby  diminished. 
But  when  men  of  pre-eminent  virtue  and  piety  are 
taken  away,  how  great  is  the  deduction  !  how  exten- 
sive the  calamity  ! 

3.  The  removal  of  men  eminent  for  their  piety  and- 
usefulness,  is  a  sore  affliction,  because  of  the  too  prob- 


A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSE.  35 

«&/e  evidence,  which  it  furnishes,  oflhe  divine  displeas- 
ure ;  of  (he  Lord's  controversy  with  a  sinful  land;  of 
the  kindlings  of  his  wrath,  and  of  impending  judgment. 
In  this  Wixhi  does  the  prophet  Isaiah  seem  to  have  viewed 
the  removal  of  the  righteous,  in  his  day.  "  The  right- 
eous perisheth,  says  he,  and  no  man  layeth  it  to  heart ; 
and  niercifu!  men  are  taken  av-ay,  none  considering  that 
the  righteous  is  taken  away  from  the  evil  to  come," 
It  was  well  said,  in  allusion  to  this  declaration  of  the 
prophet,  by  a  holy  man,  now  with  God  ;  "  Do\es  fly 
home  to  their  windows  at  the  coming  storm."  ^*  When 
ambassadors  are  called  home,  it  becomes  the  nation 
where  ihey  were,  to  reflect  whether  a  rupture  is  not 
likely  to  ensue."  Not  for  the  purposes  of  their  own 
salvation  merely,  are  the  godly  and  the  faithful  contin- 
ued on  earth.  By  their  instrumentality  does  God  call 
a  guilty  nation  to  repentance.  By  them  does  he  warn, 
admonish,  and  intreat.  By  them  does  he  negotiate  the 
treaty  of  peace,  with  these  revolted  colonies  of  his  vast 
dominions.  This  is  more  especially  applicable  to  those 
who  have  been  commissioned  as  heralds  of  salvation, 
to  a  guilty  world.  To  them  has  been  commit  led  the 
ministry  of  reconciliation.  They  have  been  constitut- 
ed ambassadors  of  the  King  of  kings.  They  have  been 
authorized  to  state  the  conditions  of  pardon,  and  to  of- 
fer eternal  life  to  the  penitent.  Clothed  with  divine 
authority  ;  ''  shod  with  the  preparation  of  the  gospel  of 
peace  ;"  "  having  taken  for  an  helmet  the  hope  of  sal- 
vation ;"  fired  with  zeal  for  the  honor  of  their  Prince, 
they  seize  the  standard  of  the  cross;  they  wave  the 
banners  of  their  king,  streaming  with  the  blood  of  the 
covenant  ;  they  ascend  the  watch  tower,  they  leap  up- 
on the  walls  of  Zion  ;  they  cry  in  the   streets  of  Jem- 


oD  A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSE. 

salem,  "  Ho  every  one  that  thirsfetb,  come  je  (o  the 
waters."  "  Seek  je  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found  ; 
call  ye  upon  him  while  he  is  near."  Panting  for  the 
consolation  of  Israel,  fearing  lest  the  blood  of  souls  be 
found  upon  them,  they  "  lift  up  their  voice  like  a  trum- 
pet;" they  *«  cry  aloud,  and  spare  not;"  "  they  shout, 
they  thunder,  they  shoot  the  arrows  of  the  Almighty  ;" 
while  "  with  strong  crying  and  tears,"  they  beseech  the 
Lord  to  crown  their  labours  with  success.  Constrain- 
ed by  the  love  of  Jesus,  they  melt  into  tenderness  ; 
they  point  the  impenitent  to  the  agonies  of  the  garden, 
and  the  streams  of  the  cross.  By  all  the  arguments 
which  the  mysteries  of  redemption  furnish,  they  urge 
sinners  to  "  be  reconciled  to  God."  Ah,  these  are 
halcyon  days !  precious  seasons  !  The  mountains 
are  dropping  fatness,  and  the  little  hills  are  rejoicing  ! 
Now  the  Lord  may  be  found,  and  salvation  secured. 
Now  he  waits,  with  much  long  suffering,  while  these, 
his  servants,  are  going  forward  with  their  work.  But 
if  these  days  of  grace  be  neglected  ;  if  these  ministers 
of  mercy  be  disregarded  ;  if  the  articles  of  the  treaty, 
which  they  are  sent  to  negotiate,  be  rejected,  and  rthe 
insulted  sovereign  recall  his  ambassadors,  does  it  not 
seem  as  if  the  breaking  forth  of  judgment  was  near  at 
hand  ?  Thus  it  was  in  the  days  of  Noah.  One  hun- 
dred and  twenty  years  did  God  wait  upon  the  antedi- 
luvian sinners,  while  his  ambassador  was  continued  with 
them  ;  but  they  refused  to  repent  ;  they  spurned  his 
messen2;er,  and  despised  his  grace.  He  recalled  his 
ambassador,  and  "  lifted  the  flood-gates  of  vengeance  I" 
Thus  was  it  also  in  the  days  of  Lot.  The  iniquities  of 
Sodom,  and  the  cities  of  the  plain,  had  come  to  the  full. 
They  had  despised  the  Lord's  messenger,  and  misused 


A    FUPTERAL    DISCOURSE.  27 

Lis  prophet.  He  is  about  to  de?troy  them  by  the 
most  tremendous  of  hi%  judgments;  but  nor  a  cloud  is 
permitted  to  gather  over  S(»dom  ;  no  ihuuder  is  per- 
mitted to  mutter,  nor  baleiid  lightning,  to  g^leaa?,  till 
godlj  and  faithful  Lot  is  removed.  Thnt  the  clouds 
gather,  the  tempest  thickens,  the  thunders  roll,  the 
lightnings  bluze,  sulphureous  torrents  descend,  and  the 
smoke  of  Sodom  goes  up  as  the  smoke  of  a  furnace  ! 
Ah,  mj  coaBhy  !  if  ibe  gathermg  home  of  the  Lord'as 
people,  and  the  recaliing  of  iiis  ambassadors,  in  thick 
succession,  are  evidences  of  his  controversy  with  thee, 
and  the  kindlings  of  bi'S  wraih  against  thee,  it  is  now 
I  tremble  for  thy  de^^[inies  i  How  rapidly  are  these 
doves  of  Jesus  gathering  home  to  their  wmdows  !  How 
are  the  ways  of  Zion  mourning,  and  the  paths  which 
lead  to  Jerusalem  becoDiing  solitary  !  This  leads  mt.  to 
remark  in  the 

4th  and  last  place,  That  the  removal,  by  death,  of 
men,  eminent  for  their  piety  and  usefulness,  is  a  sore 
calamity,  because  the  barriers,  which  prevent  the  tor- 
rents of  vengeance  from  sweeping  a  giiilty  land,  have 
thereby  been  weakened.  Ah  !  what  a  barrier  do  the 
prayers  of  the  righteous  present  to  avert  the  floods  of 
impending  wrath  !  "  The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of 
the  righteous  man  availeth  much."  Upon  the  prayers 
of  his  faithful  ones,  the  Lord  has  placed  the  highest  es- 
timate. It  was  in  a  desperate  case,  that  admitted  of  no 
remedy,  that  God  pronounced  the  tremendous  declar- 
ation, "  Though  Moses  and  Samuel  stood  before  me, 
yet  my  mind  could  not  be  towards  this  people  ;  cast 
them  out  of  my  sight,  and  let  them  go."  The  declar- 
ation itself,  implies  the  almost  omnipotence  of  prayer. 


38  A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSE. 

'*  Let  me  alone,"  says  God  to  an  exalted  favourile, 
wrestling  with  Iiiin  for  an  idolatrous  people,  "  let  rae 
alone,  tbat  my  wrath  may  wax  hot  against  them,  and 
that  I  may  consume  them."  IIow  strong  is  this  lan- 
guage !  Even  the  arm  of  incensed  Omnipotence,  which 
wields  the  Tengeful  thunder,  seems  to  be  held  in  ar- 
rest !!  The  man  of  prayer  prevails,  and  Israel  is  saved! 
"  Therefore,  says  the  Psalmist,  he  said  he  would  de- 
stroy them,  had  not  Moses,  his  chosen,  stood  before 
Iiim  in  the  breach,  to  turn  away  his  wrath."  What  a 
shield  do  the  prayers  of  the  upright  spread  before  a 
people,  trembling  at  the  approach  of  divine  vengeance  ! 
"  Let  the  earth  be  removed  ;  let  the  mountains  be  car- 
riied  into  the  midst  of  the  sea  ;  let  the  waters  thereof 
roar,  and  be  troubled,  and  the  mountains  shake  with 
the  swellings  thereof  ;'*  let  nation  rise  against  nation, 
and  kingdom  dash  against  kingdom  ;  let  the  storm  gath- 
er, and  the  tempest  thicken;  so  long  as  I  see  Moses 
on  his  knees,  wrestling  in  prayer,  with  Aaron  and  Hur 
supporting  his  arms ;  while  I  hear  him  cry,  *'  Spare 
thy  people,  O  Lord,  and  give  not  thine  heritage  to  re- 
proach ;"  so  long  as  I  see  Abraham  on  his  face,  urging 
his  suit,  that  the  righteous  perish  not  with  the  wicked  ; 
so  long  as  I  hear  Daniel,  clothed  with  sackcloth,  and 
covered  with  ashes,  crying,  "  Let  thine  anger  and  thy 
fury  be  turned  away  from  thy  city  Jerusalem,  and  thy 
holy  Mountain,"  I  will  not  be  afraid.  But,  ah  !  when 
I  see  Moses  ascending  the  heights  of  Nebo  ;  when 
I  see  Abraham  gathered  to  his  fathers,  and  Daniel  re- 
moved to  the  land  of  silence,  "  my  flesh  shivers,"  and 
my  heart  faints  with  me.  When,  from  the  watch  tow- 
er, I  behold  the  Almighty,  "  rising,  to  shake  terribly 
the  earth  ;"  when    I  hear  him  *'  ottering  his  voice  in 


A    FUNERAL    DISCOITRSE.  30 

the  Heavens,"  and  commanding  "  scourge  (o  foWovr 
scourge,  and  vengeance  to  press  on  vengeance,"  my 
soul  meditates  terror  ;  I  am  ready  to  exclaim,  in  an 
agony  of  grief,  who  shall  now  stand  up  for  us,  and  plead 
for  the  arrest  of  the  destroying  angel  ! 

My  brethren,   the  age   in  which   we    live,   is  an  age 
darkened  with  the  judgments  of  God.     "  A  noise  has 
come  up  to  the    ends  of  the    earth  :  the    Lord    has  a 
controversy  with  the  nations,  and  is  pleading   with  all 
flesh.''     He  is  deepening  our  afRictions,  and  increasing 
our  alarms,  by  gathering    home  his  people,  and    recall- 
ing his    ambassadors.     Of  this   melancholy  truth,  the 
funeral  solemnities   of  this  day  furnish  us   with  painful 
evidence.     They  tell  us   that  a  lamp  has  gone  out  in 
the   sanctuary   of  God  ;    that  *^  a  burning  and  shining 
light"   has  been  extinguished  in  Israel  ;  that   a  watch- 
man has  descended   from  the  walls  of  Zion,  to   return 
no  more  forever.     Embosomed,  as  we  are,  in  the  dark- 
ness which   has   succeeded,  and  saddened  by  the  long 
desolations    which    are    spread   around  us,  let   us  now 
approach  the  solitary  mansion  <^here,   silent,   and  cold, 
lies  the  man  of  God,  whose  sudden  departure  from  us 
has  awakened  our  sympathies,  and  filled  our  hearts  with 
sorrow.     Let  us  cheer  the   glooms,  as    we  pass  to    his 
tomb,  by   singing  this  song,    "  Blessed  are   the    dead 
who  die  in  the  Lord  ;  yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  they  rest 
from  their  labours,  and   their  works  do  follow   them.'* 
Ah,  me !  it  is  now  I  feel  my  entire   inadequacy  to  the 
task,  which  you  have  devolved   upon   me.     You  have 
commanded  me   to  lead  you  to  that  tomb  ;  to  lift  the 
mantle  of  death  ;  to  pluck  from  the  grave  its  covering, 
and  to  hold   up  before  you  this    venerable   servant  of 
Jesus   Christ,  in  the  intrinsic  excellence  of  his  charac- 


40  A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSE, 

ter  ;  but  this  would  require  powers  equal  io  his  own. 
In  attenipting  to  discharge  this  interesting  dutj,  "  too 
impo^iii^  to  be  declhic  J/ '  I  shall  endeavour  cautiously 
to  avoid,  on  the  ovit-  ha'-id,  tliat  fulsome  adulation  into 
which  funeral  euloj:ies  are  too  apt  to  degenerate  ;  and, 
on  the  ofhsr,  that  blind  partiality,  to  which  strong  af- 
fection naturally  leans.  Standing,  as  I  do,  before  "  the 
remains  of  departed  greatness,"  and  in  view  of  the 
judgQient  seat  of  Chrisst,  I  shall  hold  myself  bound  to 
speak  the  truth,  so  f:ir  as  I  know,  or  believe.  And, 
indeed,  why  should  I  do  olherwise  ?  The  character 
of  my  departed  brother,  needs  no  laboured  effort  of  mine 
to  preserve  it  ;  it  is  embalmed  in  the  affections  of  a 
thousand  hearts  !  His  immortal  part  is  not  suscepti- 
ble of  Oaftery  ;  it  is  before  the  throne,  joining  in  praises 
of  another  order. 

With  the  parentage,  and  early  character  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Isaac  Sroekton  Keith,  I  have  not  been  able 
to  make  myself  sufficlputly  acquainted,  to  do  justice 
to  thi^  part  of  the  subject  before  me  ;  nor  is  it  very  im- 
portant that  T  should.  It  matters  but  little  from  whom 
he  t^'as  descended,  or  what  favoured  spot  of  country 
Tave  him  birth.  In  general,  I  have  learned,  that  he 
sprung  from  reputable  parents,  in  the  county  of  Bucks, 
in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  ;  and,  that  while  in  the 
pursuits  of  science,  in  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  he 
was  a-^s'nled  by  tlie  terrors  of  the  Lord,  and  brought  to 
the  savinc;;  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ.  But  it  was  not 
until  after  his  Lord,  having  counted  him  faithful,  had 
put  him  into  the  ministry,  that  he  was  introduced  to  our 
personal  knowledge.  Wirh  his  "  manner  of  coming  in, 
and  going  out"  among  us,  we  have  been  long  acquaint- 
ed.    As  a  many  as  a  christian,  and  as  a  minisler  oi  the 


A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSB.  41 

Lord  Jesus,  he  has  been  known  to  us  all  ;  and  we  also 
know,  Ihat  in  each  of  these  characters,  he  was  deserv- 
edly revered)  respected,  and  beloved  ;  that  he  reflected 
honor  upon  his   generation,  adorned   the   doctrines  of 
Christianity,  and  was  an  ornament  to  the  gospel  minis- 
try.    As  a  man,  formed  for  society,  Dr.  Keith  was  cal- 
culated both  to  receive  and  impart  happiness  in  the  so- 
cial circle.     In   him   shone   that  bright  assemblage  of 
dispositions  and  virtues,  which  never  fail  to  constitute 
the  agreeable   and   useful  companion.     Venerable  and 
grave   in  his  aspect,  his  presence  forbade  the  rude  ap- 
proach of  impertinence.     To   a  stranger,  his  first  ap- 
pearance seemed  rather  distant  and  austere  :  but,  upon 
a  nearer  approach,   that    stranger  soon  discovered  his 
mistake  ;  he  soon    found,   that,    though   in    the  pres- 
ence of  dignity,  it  was  dignity,  ftoflened  and  einbellish- 
ed  with  every  benign  and  generous  affection.     Affable, 
but    not  assuming;  cheerful,    but   not    trifling;  never 
descending  from  the  di2;nity  of  the  man,  while  bis  inno- 
cent anecdote  lighted  up  a  suiile  on  e\ery  countenance 
around  him  ;    his  company  was  sought  and  loved  by  his 
friends.     Naturally  warm  and  generous  in  his  feelings, 
he  loved  his  friend  with  an   ardent  affection.     Had  he 
a   weakness?     Perhaps   it    sometimes    appeared  here. 
Loving  his  friend   with    uncommon   ardor,  and  placing 
upon  the  aff*ection  of  that  friend,  in  return,  the  highest 
estimate,  he   was  sensibly  ali\e    to   every  suspicion  of 
change  in  that  affection.     Perhaps  this  ardor  of  feeling 
might,  sometimes,  have  led  him  to  mistake  appearance 
for  reality.     If  you  call  this  a  weakness,  it  is  one  of 
those  weaknesses  which  it  is   difficult  to  censure.     On 
all  the  relations  of  life,   in    which   he  was  placed,  as  a 
man  and  a  citizen,  he  reflected  honor.     An  affectionate 


42  A    lUNERAL    DISCOURSE* 

husband,  a  humane  master,  an  obliging  neighbour,  and 
a  distiijguisbed  philanthropist.  His  heart  and  his 
house  were  open  to  the  stranger,  and  his  purse  to  the 
indigent.  He  was  a  sincere  lo^  er  of  his  country,  and 
took  a  deep  iriterest  in  her  rivil  and  political  welfare  ; 
an  interest,  however,  the  expression  of  which  was  al- 
ways chasiened  by  a  scrupulous  regard  to  the  sanctity 
of  his  office.  Such,  you  know,  was  Dr.  Keith,  as  a 
man.  On  all  these  excellent  properties,  the  mildest 
beams  of  chrislianity  shed  their  bright  lustre. 

As  a  disciple  of  Jesus  Christ,  this  amiable  man  was 
humble,  watchful  and  devouL  On  his  private  conver- 
sation, and  reti  ing  walk,  was  found  the  unction  of  the 
Holy  One.  The  spirit  of  the  gospel  marked  his  inter- 
course with  men.  To  the  fervor  of  his  devotions,  his 
family  and  his  closet,  bore  daily  testimony.  How  af- 
fecting and  impressive  was  the  scene  which  sometimes 
unfolded  to  my  view,  when  I  have  accidentally  come 
upon  him,  at  the  time  of  the  morning  sacrifice  !  How 
have  I  seen  this  holy  man  of  God  on  his  knees,  in  the 
midst  of  his  family,  surrounded  with  his  domestics,  and 
the  servants  of  his  neighbours,  who  attended  to  receive 
the  benefit  of  his  prayers,  with  his  eyes  and  his  hands 
lifted  before  the  mercy  seat,  his  voice  faltering, 
his  whole  system  agitated,  while  he  wrestled  in 
prayer  for  himself,  for  his  family,  for  his  congrega- 
tion, and  for  the  land  in  which  he  lived  !  Ah  !  my 
country  !  bleeding  and  shaken  by  the  judgments 
of  the  Almighty,  these  prayers  for  thy  welfare  have 
ceased  for  ever  !  *'  Help,  Lord,  for  the  godly  man 
ceaseth  ;  for  the  faithful  fail  from  among  the  children 
of  men.'' 

The  personal  piety  of  our  departed  brother,  was  not 
the  sudden  or  transient  flash,  which  appears  for  a  mo- 


A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSE.  43 

ment,  and  then  dies  away.  It  was  the  steady  Are,  which 
burns  with  increasing  fervor,  and  shines  with  in- 
creasing brightness.  It  influenced  the  whole  of  his  de- 
portment, and  imparted  character  to  all  his  transactions 
in  life.  Taught  by  this  to  sympathize  in  the  concerns 
of  others,  he  "rejoiced  with  those  that  did  rejoice, 
and  wept  with  those  who  wept."  Himself  a  lover  of 
Jesus  Christ,  he  loved,  and  rejoiced  in  the  prosperity 
of  all  who  were  so. 

But  it  was  from  the  walls  of  Zion  that  he  shed  the 
brightest  glory  of  the  gospel.  Ij^ndowed  with  a  mind 
which  was  strong,  and  discriminating  ;  a  judgment, 
solid  and  judicious  ;  **  apprehensions  not  remarkably 
quick,  but  unusually  just  ;'*  the  whole  illuujinated,  and 
sanctified  by  di\iue  grace,  he  was  eminently  qualified 
for  being  useful  in  the  church.  Thus  fitted  by  his 
Lord,  for  the  task  assigned  him,  he  was  early  commis- 
sioned as  a  herald  of  the  cross.  He  commenced  his 
ministerial  career  in  the  city  of  Alexandria,  in  the 
State  of  Virginia.  There  he  laboured,  with  reputa- 
tion and  success,  till  he  received  a  call  to  this  congre- 
gation, to  be  a  co-pastor  with  him  who  yet  lives,  and 
whose  praise  is  in  the  churches.  Here  he  laboured  in 
word  and  doctrine  for  twenty-five  years,  when  he  was 
called  to  enter  into  the  joys  of  his  Lord.  For  one 
quarter  of  a  century  have  this  congregation  and  this 
city  been  blessed  with  his  example,  his  prayers,  and 
his  labours  in  the  ministry.  During  that  period,  through 
all  the  changes  which  it  knew,  be  kept  on,  with  a  steady 
pace,  in  "  works  of  faith,  and  labours  of  love."  With 
tenderness  he  cherished  the  lambs,  and  with  faithful- 
ness fed  the  fiock  committed  to  his  care.  In  the  Avork 
#f  the  ministry  he  was  diligent,  and  laborious.     Bearing 


44  A    FUNERAL    DISCOCRSE. 

upon  Lis  mind  a  deep  sense  of  the  dread  responsibility 
of  his  ofSce,  feeling  that  souls  were  coinmirled  to  his 
charge  ;  and  that  for  these  he  was  bound  to  watch,  as 
one  who  must  give  an  account,  he  made  it  his  earnest 
study,  and  constant  endeavour,  so  to  divide  the  word 
of  life,  as  to  give  to  each  one  "  a  portion  in  clue  season." 
Rightly  discriminating  between  the  saint  and  the  sin- 
ner ;  between  the  nominal  christian,  and  the  real  be- 
liever, he  shaped  his  instructions,  admonitions,  and 
warnings  accordingly.  Of  his  sermons,  Jesus  was  the 
center  and  the  sum.  They  were  distinguished  for 
(heir  manly  sense,  simplicity  of  style,  evangelical  piety, 
and  searching  truth.  Knowing  that  the  great  design 
of  the  gospel  ministry  is  to  bring  sinners  home  to  God, 
be  was  more  solicitous  to  reach  the  conscience  and  to 
mend  the  heart,  than  to  please  the  fancy,  or  to  tickle 
the  ear.  He  deemed  that  sermon  worth  nothing,  which 
had  not  in  it  something  of  Christ.  His  theological 
opinions  were,  in  the  strictest  sense  of  the  word,  ortho- 
dox. He  stated,  and  defended  the  doctrines  of  grace, 
the  doctrines  of  the  reformation.  He  taught  the  en- 
tire depravity  of  the  human  heart  ;  the  absolute  neces- 
sity of  being  born  from  above  ;  the  necessity  of  divine 
influences  to  change  the  heart,  and  to  sanctify  the  soul ; 
the  nature,  and  necessity  of  repentance  and  faith,  holi- 
ness and  love,  influencing  the  heart  to  the  production 
of  good  works,  in  the  life. 

The  divinity  of  the  liord  Jesus,  and  atonement 
through  his  blood,  were,  in  his  system,  doctrines  o^pri- 
mary  importance.  On  these  he  rested  his  eternal 
hopes.  In  his  public  ministry,  Dr.  Keith  was  particu- 
larly distinguished,  not  only  for  the  purify  of  his  doc- 
trines, but  for  the  fervor  of  his  prayers,  and  his  marked 


A    FUNERAL    DI?COURSB.  45t 

at(enlion  to  (lie  dispensalions  of  Providence.     In  these 
he  has,  perhaps,  been  seldom   surpassed  in  any  age  of 
the  church.     How  often  has  he  v  resiled,  like  Jacob, 
on  this  very  spot  I     The  pestilence,  the  fire,  the  earth- 
quake, or  (he  storm,  were  ne\er  suffered   to  escape  his 
public  notice.     But   why  dwell  upon  (he  subject  of  his 
pastoral  office,  in  presence  of  his  beieaved  and  afflicted 
congregation,   whose  hearts   are   still  bleeding,  whose 
tears  are  still  flowing,   and    who  are  sorrowing,  most  of 
all,  because  of  the  decree  that  is  gone  forth  that  "  (hey 
shall  see  his  face  no  more  ?"    How  he  fed  you,  wi(h  the 
bread  of  life  ;  how  he  comforted  you  in  the  hour  of  af- 
fliction ;  how  he  wiped  your  (ears,  in   tiie  day  of  your 
anguish;  how  *' he   prayed   by   your   beds   of   pain;" 
how  afTectioudtely  he   loved  you,  and  how  honestly  he 
warned  you,  is  known   to  you  now,  and  shall  be  known 
to  the  nniversey  in  that  day,  which   shall  disclose  the 
Son  of  3Ian  in  the  clouds  of  heaven  !      Then  shall  you 
again  meet  your  pastor  I     Those  who  shall  have  sav  ing- 
\y  profi(ed  by  his  ministry,  shall  hail,  with  loud  accla- 
mations, the  man  who  was    "over  them  in  the  Lord  ;" 
who  fed  them    in  this  house,  and  pointed  them   to   the 
Saviour.     But  those   who  shall  then  be  found  to   have 
rejected  his  ministry  ;  but    1  forbear  !     The  subject  is 
too  awful!     Your  loss,  my  brethren,  is  great,  and  sen- 
sibly you  feel  it  ;  but  you  have  yet   much  for  which  to 
be  thankful.     Behold   the   venerable  man  who  is  still 
with  you  !     He  will  comfort  you  in  (his  lime  of  your 
(rouble  ;  and  you  in  return  will  comfort  him.     See  him 
trembling  beneath  (he   pressure  of  (his  great  people  ! 
He  is   left  alone,  solitary   and   disconsolate  !  You  will 
hold  up  his  arras,  as  Aaron  and  Hur  did  those  of  Moses. 
But   in   this  assembly   1  see   a  group  of  mourners, 
whose  tears  tell  me  that  they  too  are  filled  with  sorrow. 


46  A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSE. 

Ask  them  why  lliej  weep,  and  Ibey  point  me  to  the 
seat  which  the  man  of  God  filled  among  Ihem,  now  left 
vacant.  To  these  my  disconsolate  brethren,  1  must  be 
permitted  to  turn  for  a  moment. 

MR.    PRESIDENT,    AND 

GENTLEMEN  OF  THE  CHARLESTON  BIBLE   SOCIETY, 

Ah,  why  have  you  already  disarmed  me  !  I  see  you 
weep  I  I  know  full  well  ihe  cause  of  those  tears  !  Your 
ranks  are  thinned!  Your  number  is  diminished!  One 
of  your  much  loved  leaders  has  fallen  ;  and  therefore 
it  is  that  you  lift  up  your  voice,  in  this  temple,  and  cry, 
"help,  Lord,  for  the  godly  man  ceaseth.'*  But  let  us 
not  be  filled  with  over-much  sorrow.  Let  us  wipe 
away  our  tears,  and  gather  round  the  ashes  of  our  de- 
parted brother,  and  prove  how  much  we  loved  him,  by 
"  gathering  up  his  maxims,"  and  following  his  bright 
example.  His  greatest  eulogy,  as  a  member  of  this 
body,  is  found  in  the  excellence  of  the  Institution  it- 
self. Perhaps  it  is  not  going  too  far  to  say,  that  no  in- 
stitution ever  originated  in  human  invention,  that  has 
been  so  extensively  useful  io  the  eternal  interests  of 
men,  as  the  institution  of  Bible  Socielies.  Never  have 
the  streams  of  salvation  rolled  on  wi(h  such  rapidity,  and 
with  such  growing  swell,  as  since  the  institution  of  the 
B.'itish  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  This  was  the 
fountain  whence  first  isssued  those  streams  which,  as 
the  river  of  God,  are  now  refreshing  and  fertilizing  the 
wilderness,  and  the  dark  places  of  the  earth,  stretching 
almost  to  the  remotest  boundaries  of  the  globe,  where, 
forages,  have  been  "  the  habitations  of  cruelty."  Nev- 
er have  the  missionary  armies  gone  out  with  such  tri- 
umphant banners,  as  since  the  commencement  of  that 
society,  and   those  which   have  growH    out  of  it.     All 


A    FUNERAL    DiaCOURSB.  47 

Chrisfendom  seems  to  have  been  put  in  motion.  Ma- 
ny are  running  "  to  and  fro,'*  and  the  knowledge  of 
the  Lord  is  rapidlj  increasing.  The  light  of  Zion  is 
streaming  in  its  glory,  and  the  darkness  of  Paganism  is 
flying  before  it.  The  Indian,  the  Persian,  and  the 
Arabian,  with  the  inhabitant  "of  Burmah  and  China," 
are  now  enabled  to  read,  each  in  his  own  language,  the 
words  of  eternal  life.  Mount  Caucasus,  in  the  bosom 
of  Asia,  has  become  luminous  with  the  light  of  truth, 
and  is  pouring  the  lustre  of  the  gospel  upon  "  numer- 
ous nations  of  the  Tartar  race."  *'  The  Malyan  Isles," 
and  those  of  the  Pacific  Ocean,  have  become  vocal 
with  songs  of  redemption  through  the  blood  of  the 
Cross.  "  The  great  Continent  of  Africa  is  now  the 
scene  of  translations  and  of  missions."  The  Continent 
of  North  America,  and  that  of  the  South,  are  sending 
to  the  nations  the  knowledge  of  the  Saviour.  "  Green- 
land, Labrador,  and  Austral  Asia,  have  received  the 
precious  sift."  Jesus  has  taken  to  him  his  great  pow- 
er, and  is  building  up  Jerusalem  in  these  troublous  times. 
These  amazing  operation"*,  which  are  fixing  the  atten- 
tion of  Europe  and  the  world  ;  and,  in  their  results, 
are  pouring  blessings  immortal  upon  the  dark  regions 
of  the  earth,  soon  caught  the  inquisitive  and  attentive 
ear  of  our  departed  brother.  Having  himself  tasted 
that  'Mhe  I  ord  is  gracious,"  he  hailed,  with  rapture, 
the  introduction  of  the  time,  when  *^  all  flesh  shall  see 
the  salvation  of  God,"  He  longed  to  be  engaged  in  so 
good  a  cause  ;  and  before  the  time  had  arrived  which 
gave  birth  to  this  Institution  among  us,  he  was  engaged, 
with  others,  in  counsel,  and  pecuniary  support  to  aid  in 
furthering  the  interests  of  oiissions,  and  translations  in 
the  East. 


48  A    FUNERAL    DISCOURSB. 

When  fLe  time  drew  on  v^hirb  presented  a  favourable 
aspect  towards  the  good  work  in  this  city,  he  was 
among  the  foremost  to  embrace  it.  His  arms,  and  his 
house  were  opened.  He  gathered  round  him  the  min- 
isters of  the  altar,  who,  in  union  wilh  hirnself,  drew 
up  the  Constilulion  and  Rules,  which  bind  us  together. 
Of  this  Society,  thus  organized,  he  was  chosen  one  of 
the  Vice  Presidents.  This  office  he  filled  with  digni- 
ty, activity  and  zeal,  until  the  evening  of  Tijesday,  the 
14th  ult.  when  he  fell  asleep  in  Jesus  !  On  Monday 
the  13th,  at  the  last  monthly  meeting  of  the  Board  of 
Managers,  he  zealously  advocated,  and  successfully 
supported  the  measure  proposed,  the  object  of  which 
was  to  send  the  Scriptures,  in  their  native  language,  to 
the  destitute  French,  in  the  stale  of  Louisiana  ;  and  in 
thirty  hours  he  was  called  to  sit  down  with  Abraham 
on  the  Mount  of  God  !  In  the  silent  mansion  of  the 
tomb,  his  **  flesh  res-ts  in  hope,"  after  having  served 
his  generation  fifty-eight  years  and  eleven  months. 
And  now  farewell,  thou  man  of  God  !  We  will  dry  up 
our  tears,  and  return  to  our  work,  waiting  with  patience 
till  our  Lord  shall  come  ! 

"  Now  unto  him  who  is  able  to  keep  us  from  falling, 
and  to  present  us  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his 
glory  with  exceeding  joy  :  to  the  only  wise  God,  our 
Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty,  dominion  and  power, 
both  now  and  ever.     Amen.'* 


SERMON. 


Mark  xvi.  15. 

AND    HE    SAID    UNTO    THEM,    GQ    YE    INTO    ALL    THE    \VORI.©< 
AND     PREACH    THE    GOSPEL    TO    EVERY    CREATURE. 

"  God,  who  at  sundry  times,  and  in  divers  manners, 
spake  in  time  past  unfo  the  fathers,  by  the  prophets," 
was  pleased,  under  the  last  dispensation  of  his  grace, 
to  speak  unto  the  world  by  his  Son.  To  him,  indeed, 
before  his  appearance,  all  the  prophets  gave  witness, 
and  were  raised  up  by  God,  for  this  very  purpose,  to 
foretel  the  coming  of  (he  Messiah,  whom  God  had 
promised  from  the  earliest  times  ;  and  by  preaching  the 
doctrine  of  repentance,  gradually  to  prepare  the  world 
to  receive  him  as  the  infallible  Teacher,  and  only  Sa- 
viour of  men.  Of  him  Moses  spake,  when  he  said  to 
the  fathers,  "  A  prophet  shall  the  Lord  your  God 
raise  up  unto  you,  of  your  brethren,  like  unto  me:  bioi 
shall  ye  hear  in  all  things,  whatsoever  he  shall  say  un- 
to you."  And  the  salvation  which  he  was  to  bring  to 
the  world,  was,  to  those  who  prophesied  of  it,  a  sub- 
ject of  their  own  careful  and  delightful  inquiry.  For 
of  this  salvation,  as  we  are  told  by  the  apostle  Peter,t 
the   prophets   have  inquired   and  searched  diligently 

•  This  sermon,  now  published  for  the  first  time,  was  preached  by  Dr. 
Keith,  Nov.  30,  1788,  the  Lord's  day  after  his  inaugiir;.tioti,  as  one  of  the 
co-pastors  of  the  Congregational,  or  Independent  Church,  in  Charleston, 
South  Carolina. 

1 1  Ep.  i.  10. 

7 


•50  llfAUGURATION    SERMOIC, 

who  prophesied  of  the  grace  which  should  come  unf« 
ycu  ;  "searching  what,  or  what  manner  of  time,  the 
Spirit  of  Christ,  which  was  in  them  did  signify,  when 
it  testified  beforehand,  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and 
the  glory  that  should  follow."  So  that  unto  the  people 
of  former  ages,  and  under  the  old  dispensation,  was  the 
gospel  preached  by  the  ministry  of  the  prophets. 

But  the  revelation  of  this  blessed  system  of  religion, 
or  dispensation  of  divine  grace,  which  was  made  to 
them,  and  by  them  communicated  to  the  people,  to 
whom  they  were  sent,  was  extremely  defective  and 
obscure,  compared  with  the  fuller  measure,  and  bright- 
er glory,  with  which  it  was  published  by  Christ  him- 
self, when  in  the  fulness  of  time,  be  appeared  in  the 
world  as  the  Author  and  finisher  of  our  faith,  as  well  as 
of  the  eternal  redemption  of  all  who  obey  him.  Bless- 
ed were  the  eyes  of  those  who  saw,  and  the  ears  of 
those  who  heard  with  faith,  this  divine  Instructor, 
when,  in  the  days  of  his  personal  ministry,  he  "  went 
about  all  the  cities  and  villages  of  Judea,  teaching  and 
preaching  the  gospel  of  the  kingdom  of  grace."  These 
were  the  things  which  many  prophets  and  righteous 
men  of  earlier  ages  desired  to  see  and  hear,  but  did  not 
see  and  hear  them. 

Yet  the  divine  plan  of  that  salvation,  of  which  he  was 
the  Author,  and  which  was  revealed  by  him  with  so  much 
brighter  evidence  and  glory,  than  the  world  had  ever 
before  beheld,  was  still  only  begun  to  be  spoken  by 
our  Lord.  His  abode  on  earth  was  of  short  duration  ; 
and  his  public  personal  ministry,  was  soon  terminated, 
by  the  death  to  which,  according  to  the  divine  councils, 
he  was  delivered  up,  and  which  formed  an  essential  and 


INAUGTTRATlOir    SERMON.  51 

principal  part  of  the  scheme  of  our  redemption.  And 
having  thus,  in  the  apptinled  way,  finished  the  work 
which  was  given  him  to  do,  he  was  then,  as  the  due  re- 
ward of  his  services,  received  up  into  Heaven,  to  sit  at 
the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father,  whom  he  had  so  em- 
inently glorified  on  earth,  and  to  possess  forever,  the 
glory  which  he  had  enjoyed  with  the  Father  before  the 
world  was. 

But  that  the  knowledge  and  the  blessings  of  the  re- 
demption, thus  accomplished,  might  be  effectually  dif- 
fused among  mankind,  he  was  pleased,  before  his  as- 
cension to  his  glorified  state,  to  institute  the  ordinance 
of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  to  commit  to  chosen  men, 
the  ofiice  of  publishing  fully  and  extensively  to  the 
world,  the  great  salvation,  which  began  to  be  spoken  by 
himself.  This  important  commission,  as  it  was  first  de- 
livered to  his  chosen  Apostles,  (together  with  the  im- 
plied power  of  delegating  to  others,  duly  qualified,  the 
same  great  trust)  we  have  recorded  in  the  words  be- 
fore us. 

"  And  he  said  unto  them.  Go  ye  into  all  the  world, 
and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature." 

Before  this  period,^  as  our  Saviour's  own  ministry 
had  been  chiefly  confined  to  the  landof  Judea,  so  when 
he  had  at  any  time  sent  forth  his  disciples  to  preach  his 
gospel,  it  was  only  to  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Is- 
rael ;  for  they  were  forbidden  to  go  into  the  way  of  the 
Gentiles,  or  into  any  city  of  the  Samaritans.  But  now, 
the  time  being  come,  when  he  who  was  the  glory  of  the 
people  of  Israel,  might  also  be  made  known  with  every 
advantage,  as  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles  ;  they  were 
furnished  with  a  new  commission,  or  with  powers  vastly 
enlarged  beyond  those  which  had  been  formerly  given 


52  INAUGURATION     SERMON. 

them.  They  were  authorized  to  go  into  all  the  world, 
to  travel  info  all  quarters  of  the  habilable  earth,  and 
preach  the  gospel  of  Christ  to  every  creature  ;  to  the 
Gentiles,  as  well  as  to  the  Jews,  to  every  creature  of 
the  human  human  race  capable  of  receiving  it.  Ac- 
cordingly we  find,  that  in  obedience  to  their  Lord's 
command,  they  went  forth  and  preached  every  where, 
"  the  Lord  working  with  them,  and  confirming  the  word 
with  signs  following."  Such  were  their  diligence  and 
success,  in  the  execution  of  their  ofi5ce,  that  the  vast 
spread,  and  amazing  progress  of  the  gospel,  published 
by  them,  are  represented  by  an  angel  flying  through 
(he  midst  of  heaven,  and  preaching  the  everlasting  gos- 
pel to  every  nation,  and  kindred,  and  tongue,  and  peo- 
ple. 

That  the  blessings  of  this  divine  religion,  might 
not  only  be  diiTused  far  and  wide  among  that  genera- 
tion, but  be  transmitted  to  all  future  generations  of 
men  ;  the  same  commission,  which  was  originally  giv- 
en to  the  Apostles,  included  in  it  the  authority  or  pow- 
er, which  they  accordingly  exercised,  of  ordaining 
others,  to  assist  them  in  carrying  on  effectually  the 
great  and  benevolent  design  of  their  own  appointment : 
and  to  them,  and  their  regular  and  faithful  successors, 
was  that  special  and  most  encouraging  promise  of  our 
Lord  made,  "  Lo,  I  aua  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the 
end  of  the  world." 

Hence  it  is  at  that  you  of  this  day,  are  favoured  with 
the  privilege  of  hearing  the  gospel,  and  that  to  us,  your 
servants  for  Jesus  sake,  is  committed  the  sacred  office 
oi preaching  it  to  all  who  will  attend  our  ministrations. 

But  what  is  to  be  understood  by  preaching  the  gos- 
pel ?  This  I  shall  endeavour  to  shew  in  a  few  instances  ; 


INAUGURATION    SERMON.  53 

and  then  suggest  a  reflection  or  two  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  subject ;  and  conclude  the  whole  with  a 
short  Address  to  yo'i,  suited  to  the  occasion  of  my  en- 
teririg  upon  the  exercise  of  my  ministry  among  j^ou. 

What  is  to  be   underslood  by  preaching  the  gospel  ? 

1.  Tn.it  we  carefully  teach,  and  inculcate  the  great 
and  important  truths,  the  pure  and  distinguishing  doc- 
trines of  the  Christian  religion.  The  gospel,  in  its 
most  usnal  and  proper  sense,  signifies  that  eminent  dis- 
covery, wliich  God  has  made  of  his  mercy  and  grace, 
through  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  to  fallen  man.  With 
peculiar  propriety,  therefore,  is  it  expressed  in  the 
original  language  of  the  New  Testament,  by  a  word 
■which  signifies  Good  News,  Now  by  the  doctrines  of 
this  dispensation  of  grace,  we  are  taught  to  consider 
mankind,  as  by  nature,  in  a  state  of  alienation  from  God  ; 
deeply  depraved,  averse  to  holiness,  and  prone  to  sin  ; 
and  by  sin  exposed  to  innumerable  afflictions  in  this 
life,  to  the  penalty  of  death,  and  the  miseries  of  an  ever- 
lasting hell :  that  in  this  situation,  God  so  piiled  and 
loved  the  human  race,  as  to  send  his  only  begotten  Son 
into  the  world,  in  the  character  of  a  Saviour,  that  who- 
soever should  believe  in  him,  might  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life:  that  in  concurrence  with  this  be- 
nevolent design,  the  Son  of  God  consented,  and  con- 
descended to  become  man,  by  assuming  our  nature  in- 
to a  personal  union  with  his  own  divinity  ;  and  after 
yielding,  in  this  assumed  nature,  a  perfect  obedience 
to  the  divine  law,  which  man  had  broken,  to  be  deliv- 
ered up  for  us  all,  to  the  death  of  the  cross,  in  order  to 
make  atonement  for  the  sinner's  guilt  by  his  blood,  or 
"  to  put  away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself."  That 
to  become  partakers  of  this  salvation,  we  must  believe 


54  INAUGURATION    SERMON. 

in  Christ,  repent  of  our  sins,  and  obey  his  laws.  That, 
seeing  we  are  not  of  ourselves  able  to  comply  wilh  these 
terms,  the  same  Jesus,  who  once  made  his  soul  an  offer- 
ing for  sin,  is  now  exalted,  "  a  Prince  and  a  Saviour, 
to  give  repentance  and  remission  of  sins;"  and  by  his 
Spirit,  who  is  promised  and  sent  down  into  the  world, 
to  those  who  will  receive  him  ;  renews  and  sanctifies 
the  hearts  of  men,  and  forms  them  to  the  love  of  God 
and  man,  and  to  the  practice  of  that  universal  holiness, 
which  becomes  the  gospel  of  Christ ;  and  that  from  the 
throne  of  his  glory,  to  which  he  is  now  exalted,  as  Head 
over  all  things  to  his  church,  and  on  which  he  sits  as 
a  Priest,  interceding  for  his  people,  and  dispensing  the 
gifts,  the  graces,  and  the  blessings  which  he  purchased 
for  them  with  his  blood  ;  he  shall,  at  the  appointed  time, 
come  again  in  the  character  of  a  Judge,  "  taking  ven- 
geance on  those  who  obey  not  the  gospel,"  but  to  be 
glorified  in  his  saints,  and  admired  in  all  them  that  be- 
lieve ;  and  to  receive  his  faithful  followers  to  the  full 
possession  of  the  unspeakable  glories,  and  joys  of  his 
everlasting  kingdom. 

Such,  I  conceive,  to  be  the  substance  of  the  gospel. 
These  are  the  blessed  doctrines  of  grace,  which  distin- 
guish and  exalt  Christianity  above  any  system  of  reli- 
gion,  suggested  by  the  light  of  nature,  or  framed  by  the 
reason  of  man.  In  preaching  the  gospel,  therefore,  it 
becomes  us  to  remember,  that  these  are  the  doctrines, 
which  as  ministers  of  Christ,  we  are  called  to  publish  to 
the  world,  even  the  doctrines  which  God  has  revealed 
by  his  Son,  and  which  teach  us  what  Christ  has  done 
for  man,  and  how  man  must  through  him  be  saved. 

It  is  this  gospel  that  exhibits  human  nature,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  fall  of  Adam,  as  lying  low  in  ruins,deep- 


INAUGURATION    SERMON.  53 

\y  involved  in  guilt  and  misery  :  that  illustriously  dis- 
plays the  grace  and  the  glory  of  our  God  and  Sa- 
viour, in  the  contrivance  and  accomplishment  of  our  re- 
demption, by  Jesus  Christ,  who  was  once  crucified  for 
the  sins  of  men,  but  is  now  highly  exalted,  and  crowned 
with  all  the  glory  and  honors  becoming  the  Redeemer, 
the  Lord  and  the  Judge  of  the  world  :  that  teaches  us 
to  seek  the  salvation  of  our  souls,  and  acceptance  with 
God,  only  through  faith  in  him,  inasmuch  as  there  is 
no  other  name  under  heaven,  given  among  men,  where- 
by any  can  be  saved  :  that  requires  us  to  live  soberly, 
righteously,  and  godly  in  the  world,  as  it  becomes  those 
for  whom  he  gave  himself,  that  he  might  by  his  blood 
redeem  them  from  all  iniquity,  and  by  his  Spirit  purify 
them  unto  himself,  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good 
works  :  that  enforces  the  practice  of  every  duty 
and  virtue,  by  the  most  solemn  and  interesting  motives, 
drawn  from  the  authority,  the  love,  and  mercy  of  our 
Maker  and  Redeemer;  from  the  awful  terrors  of  his 
law,  and  the  alluring  promises  of  his  grace  ;  from  the 
regards  which  we  owe  to  ourselves  and  our  fellow-men, 
in  this  world  ;  and  from  the  hope  of  that  heaven  of  incon- 
ceivable happiness,  which  awaits  the  good,  and  the  fear 
of  that  bell  of  unspeakable  misery,  prepared  for  the 
wicked,  in  the  world  to  come. — It  is  this  gospel,  which 
our  Lord  commanded  to  be  preached  to  all  the  world, 
and  which,  in  the  Apostles*  days,  proved  so  mighty 
through  God,  to  the  pulling  down  the  strong  holds  of  Sa- 
tan in  the  hearts  of  men,  and  was  instrumental  of  so 
gloriously  establishing  and  enlarging  his  kingdom  in  the 
world.  It  is  this  gospel,  which  in  every  succeeding  age, 
has  been  prospered  to  the  same  desirable  ends.  If  is 
this  gospel,  which  must   be  still  preached  by  all  wh© 


56  INAUGURATION"    SERMOIf. 

minister  in  the  name,  and  in  the  church  of  Christ,  as 
they  would  desire  and  hope  to  see  their  ministrations, 
succeeded  by  his  blessing  in  the  promotion  of  those 
great  objects,  which  this  divine  religion  is  so  admirably 
fitted,  and  so  specially  designed,  to  advance. 

2.  In  preaching  the  gospel,  it  concerns  us,  with  all 
prudence  and  fidelity,  to  divide  aright  the  word  of 
truth,  and  give  to  the  respective  classes  of  our  hearers, 
their  proper  portion  in  due  season.  It  is  not  sufficient 
to  preach  the  doctrines,  the  precepts,  the  promises, 
and  the  threatenings  of  the  gospel,  in  one  general  view, 
as  if  these  were  all  equally  addressed  to  all  men  ;  but 
that  these  may  produce  their  proper,  and  full  effect,  it 
is  requisite  to  direct  the  application  of  them,  more  es- 
pecially and  pointedly  to  the  different  characters  and 
conditions  of  our  hearers,  to  which  they  are  especially 
adapted.  In  this  way  alone,  can  we  reasonably  prom- 
ise ourselves  much  success  in  our  attempts  to  convince, 
or  persuade,  to  minister  reproof  or  consolation.  In 
order  to  attain  these  objects  in  any  considerable  degree, 
we  must  consider  carefully,  and  endeavour  to  distin- 
guish wisely,  a  variety  of  different  circumstances  in  the 
conduct,  and  the  situation  of  those  whom  we  address, 
and  to  accommodate  ourselves  to  these,  in  such  a  man- 
ner, as  that  every  one's  conscience  may  perceive  at 
once  where  the  discourse  is  pointed,  and  be  led  to  apply 
it  accordingly,  for  instruction,  correction,  or  comfort. 
i  cannot  now  take  notice  of  any  of  the  more  particular 
distinctions  in  the  characters  and  circumstances  of  men, 
which  call  for  an  attentive  and  skilful  management  of 
our  public  and  private  addresses  ;  but  I  shall  take 
leave  to  observe,  that  there  is  one  general  and  more 
important  distinction  of  characters,   which  we  should 


iNAUQURATIOIf    SKRMOX.  37 

aever  lose  sight  of  ourselves,  and  io  which  it  becomes 
tis  to  keep  the  attention  of  our  hearers,  ever  directed  : 
I  mean  the  essential  and  vast  difference  between  a  sin- 
cere Christian,  and  an  impenitent  sinner  ;  between  one 
who  is  in  a  state  of  corrupt  nature,  unrenewed,  and  un- 
Banctified  ;  and  one  whose  heart  is  purified  by  faith  in 
Christ,  and  whose  life  is  adorned  with  the  beauties  and 
the  fruits  of  holiness  ;  between  one  who  is  only  born 
of  the  flesh,  and  is  a  child  of  wrath  ;  and  one  who  is  born 
again  of  the  Spirit,  and  is  become  a  child  of  God,  a 
member  of  Christ,  and  an  heir  of  heaven.  The  nature, 
the  importance  of  this  distinction  of  characters  ;  the  ab- 
solute necessity,  the  happy  fruits  and  consequences  of 
this  effectual  change  of  the  heart  and  the  life  ;  the 
miserable  situation  of  those  who  have  not  experienced 
it;  the  certain  condemnation  under  which  they  now 
abide;  and  the  awful  judgment  and  doom  hereafter 
awaiting  them,  if  they  fly  not  to  the  hope  set  before  them 
in  the  gospel ;  these  should  be  often  inculcated,  and  fer» 
Tently  impressed  upon  the  conscience,  as  we  would 
bopc,  that  the  gospel  may  be  made  an  instrument,  in 
the  band  of  God,  to  open  the  eyes  of  men,  and  turn 
them  from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of 
Satan  unto  God  ;  that  they  may  receive  forgiveness  of 
their  sins,  and  an  inheritance  among  them  that  are  sanc- 
tified by  faith  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Thus  plainly  laying  before  men  the  declarations  of  the 
Word  of  God,  concerning  their  respective  states  and 
characters,  and  rightly  dividing  to  them  the  word  of 
truth,  in  which  they  are  particularly  and  most  deeply 
interested,  we  shall  approve  ourselves  faithful  and  wise 
stewards  in  the  household  of  God,  or  church  of  Christ; 

and  tiave  ground  to  hope,  that  the  word  thus  faithfully 
8 


jB  IPfAUGURATIOlV    SERMON. 

and  judiciously  dispensed,  will  be  accompanied  with 
his  eflScaclous  blessing,  and  thereby  rendered  truly  and 
eminently  profitable  to  our  hearers. 

3.  In  preaching  the  gospel,  it  is  required  of  us,  that 
we  make  the  glory  of  God,  in  the  salvation  of  men,  the 
great  end  to  which  our  ministrations,  and  our  aims  are 
habitually  directed.  We  must  seek,  not  our  own  glo- 
ry, but  the  glory  of  him  who  sent  us  ;  we  must  labour 
to  promote,  not  our  own  temporal  interests,  but  the 
eternal  interesfs  of  those  to  whom  we  are  sent.  We 
must  remember  that  we  are  ambassadors  for  Christ,  ap- 
pointed to  entreat  and  persuade  you  in  Christ's  stead, 
and  as  though  God  did  beseech  jou  by  us,  to  be  recon- 
ciled to  God.  This  is  our  proper  business;  this  is  the 
great  and  good  end  of  the  pastoral  office  which  we  hold  ; 
and  he  who  loses  sight  of  this,  or  proposes  to  himself 
any  end  that  is  not  subservient  to,  or  consistent  with 
this,  whatever  applause,  or  advantages  he  may  secure 
to  himself  from  his  fellow-men,  he  cannot  be  styled  a 
true  preacher  of  Ihe  gospel,  nor  receive  the  final  re- 
ward of  the  good   and    faithful    servant  of  Christ. 

4.  In  preaching  the  gospel,  it  must  be  the  study  and 
endeavour  of  its  niinisters,  to  recommend  it  to  the  esteem 
and  practice  of  others,  by  their  own  example. 

So  important  and  powerful  is  the  influence  of  exam- 
ple, to  enforce  instruction  on  every  subject  of  a  prac- 
tical nature,  that  it  is  considered  as  a  certain  truth,  es- 
tablished by  long  observation  and  experience,  and  has 
therefore  become  proverbial,  that  "example  teaches 
more  than  precept."  In  common  life,  every  one  knows 
how  much  more  easily  and  speedily  we  learn  to  trans- 
act any  bu-^iuess,  by  seeing  it  done,  than  by  being  mere- 
ly informed,  though  ever  so  particularly  and  fully j^  how 


INAUGURATION    SERMON.  59 

H  ought  to  be  done.  The  case  is  the  same  in  matters 
of  religion.  The  mostjiisf  and  pleasing  delineations  of 
the  principles  and  duties  of  Christianity,  will  usually  be 
found  to  have  but  a  small  and  slow  effect,  in  forming 
persons  to  a  correspondent  practice,  compared  with  the 
living  character  of  the  Christian,  exhibited  in  the  tem- 
per and  conduct  of  those  who  profess  the  religion  of 
Christ ;  and  especially  of  those  who  are  called,  and  who 
undertake  to  preach  it  to  others.  Those  sublime  vir- 
tues and  graces  of  Christianity,  which,  when  properly 
represented  in  description,  cannot  fail  to  appear  to  be 
in  themselves,  truly  excellent  and  desirable,  are  at  the 
same  time  too  commonly  considered  as  impracticable, 
and  unattainable  to  the  generality  of  mankind.  But 
when  they  see  them  actually  exemplified  by  men  like 
themselves,  and  in  the  same  condition  with  themselves, 
they  no  longer  despair  of  reaching  the  attainments, 
"which  they  see  others  have  made  before  them  ;  and 
their  emulation,  resolution,  and  endeavo'irs,  are  awaken- 
ed to  go  and  do  likewise,  to  imitate  tiie  pattern  set  be- 
fore them. 

This  was  one  reason  why  our  blessed  Lord,  the  au- 
thor and  finisher  of  our  faith,  when  he  came  into  the 
world  to  fulfil,  among  other  oflSces  of  a  Saviour,  that  of 
a  Teacher  of  the  will  of  God,  and  the  duty  of  man, 
condescended  to  be  made  in  the  likeness  of  men,  and  to 
become  like  to  his  brethren  in  all  things,  that  in  our 
nature,  he  might  present  us  with  a  visible  and  familiar 
example  of  what  we  ojght  to  be  and  to  do  ;  so  that  to 
comply  with  the  doctrines  which  he  taught,  and  the 
laws  which  he  prescribed,  we  might  have  only  to  follow 
his  steps,  and  to  walk  as  he  also  walked.  For  this 
purpose,  also,  it   pleased  the  only    wise   God,  our  Sa- 


60  INAUGURATION    SERMON. 

viour,  to  commit  the  dispensation  and  roinistfy  of  the 
gospel,  not  to  angels,  but  to  men,  possessed  of  the  same 
nature,  powers,  and  passions  with  other  men,  that  by 
exemplifying  in  their  own  conduct,  the  religion  which 
they  preached,  they  might  shew  it  to  be  as  practicable, 
as  it  is  divine  and  amiable.  Hence  we  find  St.  Paul, 
often  charging  and  entreating  his  converts  in  such  lan» 
guage  as  this  :  "  Be  followers  of  me,  even  as  I  am  of 
Christ.*'  **  Mark  those  who  walk  so,  as  ye  have 
us  for  an  example,"  And  again,  "  Those  things  which 
ye  have  both  learned,  and  received,  and  heard,  and 
seen  in  me,  do.=^  And  on  this  principle,  he  earnest- 
ly recommends  it  to  Timothy.  "  Be  then  an  example 
of  the  believers  in  word,  in  conversation,  in  charity, 
in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity.  Take  heed  unto  thyself, 
and  to  thy  doctrine;  continue  in  Christ,  for  in  doing 
this,  thou  shalt  both  save  thyself,  and  those  that  hear 

ihee,"t 

Thus  to  take  heed  to  ourselves,  that  our  own  con- 
duct may  in  all  respects,  correspond  to  our  doctrine, 
that  we  may  be  not  only  blameless,  and  harmless,  and 
without  rebuke,  so  as  to  give  no  offence  to  Jews  or 
Gentiles ;  to  believers  of  different  sentiments,  or  names  ; 
to  those  who  are  strong  or  weak  in  the  faith ;  to  the 
friends  or  the  enemies  of  our  religion  ;  but  to  shine 
among  all  as  the  lights  of  the  world,  and  be  examples 
in  all  things  to  the  flock  committed  to  our  care  ;  and 
by  our  good  works  engage  those  who  behold  them,  to 
glorify  our  Father  who  is  in  heaven,  in  their  cordial  re- 
ception of,  and  obedience  to,  the  gospel  of  his  Son, 
which  we  preach;  this  is  certainly  one  of  the  most 
difficult,  as  it  is  one  of  the  most  important,  parts  of  our 

*  1  Cor.  xi.  1  ;  Phil.  iii.  17 ;— ir.  9.  f  1  Tim.  iv. 


INAUGURATION    SERMON.  61 

sacred  work.  This  calls  for  all  the  wisdom  of  the  ser- 
pent, united  with  all  the  innocence  of  the  dove.  This 
requires  the  utmost  circumspection  and  diligence,  in 
every  duty  of  our  profession  and  office,  that  we  may 
neither  be  barren,  nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ,  or  in  the  ministry 
of  the  gospel  with  which  he  hath  entrusted  us,  for  the 
purpose  of  winning  the  souls  of  others  to  him,  and  to 
his  salvation. 

May  the  gracious  Master  whom  we  serve,  compas- 
sionate and  forgive  the  many  infirmities  and  failings  of 
those,  whom  he  hath  employed  in  this  difficult  service, 
and  by  his  Spirit,  form  them  more  and  more,  to  that 
heavenly  mind,  which  was  in  himself;  and  conform  them 
more  perfectly  and  fully  to  that  bright  example,  which 
he  has  left  in  every  thing,  that  is  most  excellent  and 
praiseworthy  ;  so  that  while  adorning  in  all  things  the 
doctrine  of  God,  their  Saviour,  they  may,  with  pe- 
culiar propriety  and  persuasive  force,  call  upon  all  to 
whom  they  preach  the  gospel,  to  be  followers  of  them, 
as  they  are  of  Christ. 

REFLECTIONS. 

1,  From  the  review  of  what  has  now  been  said  on 
this  subject,  it  will  appear  how  important,  and  at  the 
same  time  how  arduous,  is  the  work  to  which  the  min- 
isters of  the  gospel  are  called.  It  is  truly,  as  St.  Paul 
observes  to  Timothy,  a  good  work.^  It  is  a  work, 
whose  great  object,  is  to  carry  on  the  same  design  of 
eternal  love  and  mercy  to  mankind,  for  which  the 
Son  of  God  became  man,  and  lived  and  died  in  our 

*  I  Tim.  Ui.  1. 


62  INAUGURATION    SERMON. 

nature;  even  the  recovering  of  the  race  of  men  from 
the  ruins  of  their  fallen  condition,  to  the  bleasin2;s  of 
that  life,  which  man  originally  enjoyed  in  the  favour  of 
his  Maker,  and  the  conducting  of  many  sons  and  daugh- 
ters, who  become  the  cliildren  of  God  thicugh  faith  in 
Christ,  in  the  highway  of  holiness,  to  the  glory  of  his 
everlasting  kingdom  ;  to  that  blessed  life  and  immortali- 
ty, which  our  Saviour  has  brought  to  light  through  his 
gospel. 

But  in  proportion  to  the  important  nature,  and  the 
most  benevolent  design  of  the  gospel  ministry,  are  the  la- 
bours and  the  difficulties  attending  the  faithful  execu- 
tion of  it.  When  those  who  are  called  to  this  service, 
consider  the  necessity  that  is  laid  upon  them  to  preach 
the  pure,  and  the  whole  gospel ;  and  no  other  doc- 
trines, than  those  of  the  genuine  gospel  of  Christ  ;  the 
prudence  and  fidelity  required  of  them,  in  dividing  aright 
the  word  of  truth,  and  giving  to  each  their  porlion  in 
due  season,  in  order  to  warn  the  wicked,  awaken  the 
secure,  shake  the  false  hope  of  the  hypocrite,  establish 
the  weak  believer,  and  pour  the  oil  of  joy  into  the  dis- 
consolate hearts  of  mourners  in  Zlon  ; — the  upright 
motives  by  which  they  are  to  be  actuated,  and  the 
great  ends  which  they  are  ever  to  keep  in  view,  not 
the  applause  of  men,  or  the  gain  of  the  world,  but  the 
glory  of  God,  and  the  eternal  interests  of  mankind  ; — and 
the  bright  example  of  piety,  righteousness,  andgoodness, 
and  of  every  Christian  grace  and  virtue,  by  which  they 
are  to  adorn  and  recommend  the  religion  which  they 
preach  :  when  they  consider  the  unspeakable  worth  of 
the  souls  committed  to  their  care,  and  (he  various  oppo- 
sition with  which  they  have  to  contend,  in  their  attempts 
to  win  them  over  to  Christ  and  sahation,  and  to  lead 
them  on  in  the  ways  of  God,  and  their  duty  ;  from  the 


INAUGURATIOIi    SERMON.  63 

passions  and  prejudices  of  men,  from  the  charms,  and 
the  tenors  of  the  world,  when  it  smiles  or  frowns  upon 
fhem,  and  from  the  temptations,  and  the  arts  of  the 
Spirit  that  worketh  in  the  children  of  disobedience,  and 
still  labours  to  sednce  and  pervert  the  faithful  from  the 
course  of  their  obedience;  and  when  they  take  into 
view  the  solemn,  and  particular  account  which  they 
must  give  at  the  last  day,  to  thegreat  Head  of  the  church, 
even  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  their  Master  and  their 
Judge  of  the  ministry,  and  of  the  souls  with  which  he 
has  entrusted  fhem  : — When  they  seriously  and  at- 
tentively weigh  these  things,  well  may  \hey,  from  a 
consciousness  of  their  own  weakness,  and  deficiencies, 
and  under  an  affecting  sense  of  the  arduous  and  inter- 
esling  nature  of  their  work  and  charge,  feel  themselves 
constrained  to  say,  in  the  language  of  St.  Paul,  "  Who 
is  sufficient  for  these  things?" — In  themselves,  they 
are,  indeed,  utterly  insufficient  for  them:  but  this  is 
their  encouragement,  and  it  is  fully  equal  to  their  ut- 
most necessities  and  wishes,  that  their  sufficiency  is  of 
God,  and  that  their  Lord  has  promised  them  his  con- 
stant presence  and  as>.istance,  that  through  Him 
strengthening  them  they  can  do  all  things  which  he  re- 
quires of  them  in  his  service  ;  and  that  when  He  who 
is  the  chief  Shepherd,  shall  appear,  they  shall  receive 
a  crown  of  glory,  which  fadelh  not  away,  and  that  shall 
eminently  exalt  and  distinguish  those,  who  have  turned 
many  to  righteousness,  or  whose  labours,  to  that  end, 
have  been  uniformly  employed  with  becoming  zeal  and 
fidelity.  Happy  indeed,  happy  beyond  expression, 
is  the  minister  of  Christ,  who  obtains  mercy  of  the 
Lord,  to  be  f:uthful  to  his  sacred  and  important  trusty 
and  through  whose  instrumentality,  many  are  added  to* 


64  INAUGURATION    SERMON 

that  number  which  shall  be  saved ;  and  to  whom  he 
can  address  himself,  in  the  animated  language  of  the 
Apostle,  and  say, — "  What  is  our  hope,  or  joy,  or 
crown  of  rejoicing  T  Are  not  even  ye  in  the  presence 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  at  his  coming?" 

2.  What  has  been  said,  may  serve  to  instruct  those 
who  are  hearers  of  the  word,  what  sort  of  preaching 
they  are  to  expect  of  their  ministers,  and  ought  chiefly 
to  desire  and  value.  If  the  pure  doctrines  of  the  gos- 
pel, in  their  simplicity,  are  to  be  the  subjects  of  our 
sermons,  it  follows  that  you  should  neither  expect,  nor 
desire  any  other  ;  nor  suppose  that  the  want  of  these, 
can  ever  be  supplied  by  any  philosophical  speculations, 
or  flowers  of  human  eloquence;  or,  as  the  Apostle  ex- 
presses it,  with  any  "  enticing  words  of  man's  wisdom." 
It  is  not  the  declaring  of  the  testimony  of  God,  with 
the  excellency  of  speech,  or  of  the  wisdom  of  this 
world  ;  but  the  preaching  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  him 
crucified,  in  demonstration  of  the  Spirit,  and  of  power, 
that  alone  can  prove  effectual,  through  the  blessing  of 
God,  to  save  your  souls.  And  as  you  would  wish  to 
experience,  in  this  way,  the  saving  efficacy  of  such 
doctrine,  while  you  give  us  the  pleasure  and  encour- 
agement of  your  attendance  on  our  ministrations,  and 
of  a  candid  hearing  of  the  word  dispensed  by  us,  let 
us  be  favoured,  at  the  same  time,  with  the  assistance 
of  your  prayers  5  that  God  would  open  unto  us  a  door 
of  utterance,  to  speak  the  mystery  of  Christ  ;  and  that 
the  preaching  of  Christ  crucified,  which  has  been  to 
the  Jews  a  stumbling  block,  and  to  the  Greeks  fool- 
ishness, may  be  to  you  the  power  of  God,  and  the 
wisdom  of  God,  for  your  salvation.  And  further, 
let  your  fervent  prayers  be  offered  up  to  the  Lord, 
that  his  word  may  have  free  course,  and  be  glorified^ 


INAUGURATIOI^    SERaiON.  09 

not  only  with  jou,  but  among  all  men  ;  that  the  gos- 
pel may  be  preached  to  every  cieature  of  the  humaa 
race,  and  that  all  who  hear  its  jojful  sound,  may  believe 
its  divine  doctrines,  and  be  saved. 

You  have  heard  something  of  the  nature  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  of  the  manner  in  which  it  is  to  be  preached  ; 
and  as  the  preaching  of  this  gospel  forms  an  eminent 
part  of  the  sacred  service,  in  which  I  have  been  called, 
and  am  now  received,  to  be  employed  as  one  of  your 
ministers,  I  shall  take  leave  to  conclude  this  discourse, 
with  a  short  Address  to  you,  suited  to  the  occasion  of 
my  entering  upon  the  exercise  of  my  ministry  among 
you. 

On  an  occasion  so  important,  as  that  of  my  taking  up- 
on me  my  part  in  the  pastoral  charge  of  your  souls,  a 
variety  of  interesting  thoughts,  will  naturally  arise  ia 
the  reflecting  mind  ;  and  much  more  might  be  easily 
and  pertinently  said  on  the  subject,  than  I  shall  at 
present  attempt.  Without  a  few  words,  however,  I 
might  appear  to  be  scarcely  just  to  myself,  and  should 
certainly  be  wanting  in  the  respect  due  to  you. 

The  honor  which  I  conceive  was  conferred  upomHie^ 
by  the  call  which  you  were  pleased  to  address  to  me, 
I  acknowledge  with  the  sensibility  of  a  very  grateful 
heart.  The  terms  in  which  it  was  dictated,  I  then  con- 
sidered, and  some  experience  has  since  given  me  addi- 
tional cause  to  consider,  as  the  language  of  sincerity, 
and  happily  expressive  of  that  spirit  of  Christian  piety, 
friendship,  and  affection,  which  a  minister  of  Christ 
must  ever  wish  and  rejoice  to  find  in  the  people  whom 
he  is  called  to  serve  in  the  gospel.  The  best  return 
ihati  can  make  for  all  the  testimonies  and  expressions 
of  your  favourable  sentiments,  and  kind  regards,  which 


66  INAUGURATION    SEBMONc 

b^ve  been  already  bestowed  upon  me,  or  whicb  T  may 
yet  hope  to  experience,  from  a  people,  whose  friendly  and 
affectionate  conduct  towards  their  ministers,  has  been 
long  honourably  distinguished,  will  be,  to  devote  myself 
with  a  zealous  and  affectionate  heart,  to  the  service  of 
your  souls,  in  the  advancement  of  your  spiritual  and 
eternal  interests  and  happiness.  And  I  trust  and  hope, 
that  I  shall  not  be  found  altogether  wanting;  in  that 
Christian  and  cordial  love,  and  attachment  to  you, 
which  will  dispose  and  lead  me,  in  this  way,  very  glad- 
ly to  spend  and  be  spent  for  you. 

Many  deficiencies,  I  am  sensible,  you  will  discern  in 
the  exercise  of  my  ministry,  as  well  as  in  other  in- 
stances. From  a  consciousness  of  these,  it  was  not 
without  much  diflSculty,  that  my  own  consent  was  ob- 
tained, to  take  part  in  the  pastoral  care  of  so  large  and 
important  a  branch  of  the  Christian  Church.  To  this, 
however,  T  was  encDuraged^  primarily  by  the  promises 
of  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  that  he  will  always 
be  with  his  ministers,  whenever  and  wherever  ttiey  are 
employed  by  his  Providence,  and  that  he  will  not  re- 
qtti<;e  more  than  he  has  given,  but  graciously  accept 
them,  according  to  what  they  have  to  offer,  or  are  able 
to  do,  in  his  service.  In  subordination  to  this  divine 
encouragement,  was  that  derived  from  the  persuasion, 
of  my  finding  with  you  that  candor  and  indulgence, 
which  would  lead  you  kindly  to  overlook,  or  bear  with, 
my  infirmities,  and  benevolently  to  accept  my  well 
meant  endeavours  to  serve  you  ;  and  from  the  consid- 
eration, that  I  was  not  to  be  engaged  alone  in  the  ardu- 
ous undertaking;  but  to  be  associated  with  one,  whose 
worthy  character  and  useful  labours,  have  justly  ac- 
quired him  that  approbation,  esteem  and  influence;, 


INAUGURATION    SERMON".  67 

which  he  happily  enjoys  with  yon,  and  from  whose 
friendly  and  good  odices,  in  various  ways,  I  promised 
myself  many  advantages. 

Wi(h  him,   under  whose  ministrations  you  have   al- 
ready enjoyed  several  happy,  and  I  hope,  not  unprofit- 
able years  ;  it  is  my  earnest  wish,  it  is  my  sincere  res- 
olution, and  I  trust,  through   grace,  it  will  be  my  con- 
stant endeavour,  to  maintain   the    most  cordial   harmo- 
ny, in  carrying   on   the   great    design  of  our  common 
ministry.     And  to  every  proper  measure  that  may  be 
used   by   us,   to    cultivate  a  friendly    and   affectionate 
union,  and  to  encourage  each  others  hearts,  and  strength- 
en each  others  hands  in  this  great  anil  good  work.     I 
am  persuaded  you  will  always  add  every  countenance 
and  aid,  which  you   can  give.     Youc  fervent  prayers, 
it  is  hi-ped.  will  ever  be  united  Avith  our  own,  that  we 
may  be  ever  animated  as  by  one  soul,  that  we  may  al- 
ways speak  the  truth   in  love,  as  with  one  mouth  ;  and 
that   we   may  constantly   and    uniformly  aim,  and  with 
abundant  success,  at  the   same  great  object,  the  glory 
of  God,  in   your    sahation.      And   w^hatever  different 
powers,  gifts,  or   qualifications,  we    may  possess,  you 
will  not,  on   this  account,    we  trust,  e\er  think  of  de- 
claring yourselves  one  for  Paul,  and  another  for  Apol- 
los ;  but  still  consider  us  as  instruments  only  of  a  dif- 
ferent form,  used  by  the   same  God  of  all  grace,  and 
employed    by    the    one    only   Head    of   the  Church, 
in  the    work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  ihe 
body,  or  the  Church  of  Christ  ;  and  whether  we  plant 
or  water,   prove  instrumental  to  the  conversion  of  sin- 
ners, or  to  the  edification  of  believers,  you  will  consid- 
er God  alone  as  the  Author  of  all  the  fruits  or  sue- 


68  INAUGURATION    SERMON. 

cesses  of  our  respective  services,  and  give  Him  the 
praise  who  giveth  the  increase. 

The  pastoral  relation  in  which  I  am  now  united  with 
you,  I  consider  as  one  of  the  most  important  and 
tender,  that  can  take  place  between  men  on  earth  ;  and 
conformably  to  the  very  interesting  nature  of  the  con- 
nexion, 1  trust,  my  heart  will  ever  feel  the  tenderest 
interest  in  your  concerns.  For  your  prosperity,  and 
especially  that  your  souls  may  be  in  health,  and  pros- 
per in  the  divine  life,  I  shall  ever  fervently  pray,  and 
in  all  your  afflictions  and  distresses,  whether  as  a  So- 
ciety or  as  individuals,  I  shall  ever  be  ready  to  bear 
a  sympathetic  part.  In  the  God  of  your  salvation,  in 
whose  favour  is  your  life,  and  who^>e  loving  kindness  is 
better  than  life,  may  you  find  that  joy,  in  which  I  would 
always  wish  to  rejoice  with  you,  and  the  consolation, 
which  you  may  need  under  all  those  sorrows  in  which  I 
may  be  called  to  weep  with  you,  may  you  also  find  in 
the  same  God,  even  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  Father  of  mercies  and  the  God  of  all  com- 
fort, who  alone  is  able,  and  who  will  be  found  always 
ready  to  comfort  you,  if  you  are  not  wanting  to  your- 
selves, in  all  your  tribulations. 

The  ministry  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to 
testify  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God,  which  I  haye 
now  begun  to  exercise  among  you,  it  vv^ill,  I  trust,  be 
my  aim  so  to  fulfil,  through  the  whole  course  of  it, 
whether  that  may  be  long  or  short,  that  1  may  finish 
it  with  joy, — May  I  obtain  mercy  of  the  Lord  to  be 
faithful  in  the  discharge  of  it,  so  that  when  it  comes  to 
be  concluded  among  you,  I  may  be  able,  in  the 
language  of  St.  Paul,  to  take  you  to  record,  that  "I 
am  pure  from  the  blood  of  all  men,*'  having  not  shunoed 


INAUGURATION    SERMON.  69 

(o  declare  unto  you  (he  whole  counsel  of  God,  nor  kept 
back  any  thing  that  appeared  to  be  profitable  to  7011  ; 
and  uniformly  inculcaling,  as  the  scope  and  tendency 
of  all  my  preaching,  repentance  towards  God,  and  faith 
towards  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  By  your  receiving 
the  truth,  thus  preached,  in  the  love  of  it,  and  with 
cordial  obedience  to  if,  let  me  entreat  you,  to  afford  me 
the  best  encouragement  which  you  can  give  in  this  dif- 
ficult  work  ;  and  to  bestow  upon  me  the  greatest  hon- 
or and  happiness,  to  which  I  can  aspire  among  you, 
even  that  of  cherishing  the  hope,  the  pleasing,  the  ani- 
mating hope,  that  if  I  should  be  so  successful  as  to  save 
my  own  soul,  I  m?y  also  rejoice  in  the  day  Christ, 
that  I  have  not  laboured  in  vain  among  j'ou,  but  have 
been  in  some  measure  instrumental  to  your  salvation. 

Before  I  conclude,  I  cannot  forbear  expressing  the 
pleasure  which  I  feel,  and  my  affectionate  congratula- 
tions, with  a  word  of  exhortation  to  you,  on  account 
of  the  prosperous  circumstances  in  which  1  find  your 
Society  at  the  present  day,  and  the  pleasing  prospects 
which  seem  to  be  opened  before  you  for  the  time  to 
come. 

The  increasing  numbers,  and  growing  strength  of 
your  Church,  and  the  successful  exertions  which  you 
have  made  under  the  many  disadvantages  in  which 
you  were  involved  by  the  calamities  of  an  eventful,  and 
(o  you  of  this  place  in  particular,  a  most  distressful 
war  :  to  repair  the  ruins  of  your  ancient  house  of  wor- 
ship, and  to  complete  the  new  building  for  the  public 
service  of  God,  which  you  have  raised,  and  the  com- 
fortable provision  which  you  have  made  for  the  support 
of  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel  in  them,  are  circum- 
stances highly  honorable   and  favorable  to  you.     Not 


TO 


INAUGURATION    SERMON. 


unto  3'oiirselves,  howrever,  not  unto  yourselves,  but  unto 
God,  to  whose  kind  and  bountiful  Providence  jou  are 
so  deeply  indebted,  let  all  the  praise  be  ascribed,  for 
his  truth  and  his  mercy's  sake. 

Be  not  weary  in  well  doing,  but  let  your  zeal  be  still 
unremittingly  employed,  in  the  same  good  cause  of  your 
church  and  your  religion,  on  those  worthy  motives,  and 
wilh  tliose  exalted  views,  which  Christianity  inspires  ; 
and  in  this  way  encourage  your  hope,  that  he  who  has  put 
it  into  your  heart  to  do  so  much  for  the  honor  of  his 
name,  will  remember  your  works  and  labours  of  piety 
and  love,  and  will  cause  you  to  see  more  and  more  of 
the  good  of  his  chosen,  and  to  rejoice  and  glory  with 
encreasing  joy  and  triumph,  in  the  gladness  and  pros- 
perity of  his  church  and  inheritance.^  That  he  will 
abundantly  bless  the  provisions  of  his  grace,  dispensed 
to  you  in  (he  house  which  you  have  builded  to  his  name, 
and  add  many  to  the  number  that  shall  here  be  fed  with 
the  bread  of  life. 

And  as  you  would  desire  and  hope  that  he  would 
thus  befriend  and  bless  you,  be  careful  that  your  hearts 
may  ever  remain  united,  in  a  sincere  Christian  friend- 
ship for  each  other,  and  that  your  mutual  endeavours 
be  employed  in  love,  to  serve  one  another,  and  to  pro- 
mote the  common  interests  of  the  whole  body,  of  which 
you  are  members.  This  spirit  of  amity  and  concord, 
so  congenial  to  the  gospel,  so  well  becoming.a  Christian 
society,  will,  in  the  nature  of  things,  eminently  contrib- 
ute to  the  stability  and  growth  of  your  church,  and  the 
advancement  of  j-our  religious  edification  and  comfort  ; 
and  it  will  most  certainly  secure  to  you  the  divine  pres- 

*  Psalm  186. 


INAUGURATION    SERMON.  fl 

ence  and  favour,  on  which  all  your  prosperity,  teippo- 
ral  and  vspiritual,  ultimately  depends.  Be  ye  therefore 
of  one  mind,  having  the  same  love,  be  of  one  accord  and 
live  in  peace,  and  the  God  of  love  and  peace  shall  be 
with  you. 

To  the  grace  of  God  I  commend  you,  fervently  pray- 
ing (hat  the  God  of  all  grace,  who  hath  called  us  unto 
his  eternal  glory  by  Christ  Jesus,  may  make  yen  per- 
fect, establish,  strengthen,  and  settle  you  in  the  fai(b, 
the  practice,  the  comforts,  and  the  hopes  of  the  gospel, 
on  earth  ;  and  finally  receive  you  to  dwell  forever  with 
the  spirits  of  just  men,  made  perfect,  and  with  the  gen- 
eral assembly  and  church  of  the  fiist  born,  which  are 
written  in  heaven  ;  that  you  may  serve  him  day  and 
night,  in  complete  holiness  and  fulness  of  joy,  in  his 
temple  there. 

And  now  unto  him  who  is  able  to  keep  you  from  fall- 
ing, and  to  present  you  faultless  before  the  presence  of 
his  2;lory  with  exceeding  joy,  to  the  only  wise  God  our 
Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty,  dominion  and  power^ 
both  now  and  ever.     Amen. 


5fATI0NAI<    AFFLICTION,    AKB    NATIONAL  COKSOL  AT  ID  N  1 


A  SEEM  ON, 

ON  THE  DEATH  OF 

GENERAL  GEORGE  WASHINGTON^ 

LATE  COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF  OF  THE  ARMIES  ; 

AXD    FORMERLY 

PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 

OF  AMERICA: 

Who  Died  at  MOUNT  VERNON, 

DECEMBER  14,  1799, 

IN  THE  68th  YEAR  OF  HIS  AGE. 

aJELIVEEEU    JANUARY,    12th   1800,   IX   THE   INDEPENDENT,  OR  C0^"« 

GREGATIONAL    CHURCH,    IN    CHARLESTON, 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

BY    ISAAC    STOCKTON    KEITH,    D.D. 

ONE  OF  THE  PASTORS  OF  SAID  CHURCH. 

PUBLISHED   BY  REQ^UEST. 
10 


The  following  sermon  was  printed  at  the  time  it  was  preached.  The 
M.S  was  submitted  to  one  of  his  respectable  Parishoners,  who  returned  it 
with  the  following  Note. 

13th  February,  1800. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  perused  with  much  satisfaction  the  enclosed,  and  am  of  opinion, 
that  it  will  not  be  less  acceptable  to  the  public  eye,  than  it  was  to  the 
audience  when  it  was  delivered.  I  think  it  contains  every  thing  that 
ought  to  be  expected  in  a  funeral  sermon  on  the  death  of  the  late  Gen- 
eral Washington. 

With  very  much  esteem, 

Yonr  obedient  servant' 
Doctor  Keith. 


SERMON 


DEATH    OF 

OENERxiL  GEORGE  WASHINGTON- 

II.   CHRON,   XXXV.    24. 

^' A.-b!n    ALL  JUDAH    AND    JERUSALEM    MOURNED    FOR    JOSIAH." 

It  is  a  very  solemn  and  aflfecting  scene,  which  is  pre- 
sented to  our  view,  in  this  portion  of  sacred  history. 
Though  a  long  series  of  ages  has  passed  away  since  it 
took  place,  it  cannot  yet,  be  attentively  reviewed,  with- 
out exciting  in  the  thoughtful  mind,  and  feeling  heart, 
many  serious  reflections  and  tender  emotions.  With 
every  other  part  of  Scripture,  it  was  doubtless  record- 
ed "  for  our  learning,"  for  our  instruction  and  im- 
provement. It  shews,  particularly,  in  a  striking  point 
of  light,  how  important  to  a  community,  are  the  life  and 
services  of  a  great  and  good  prince  ;  or  of  a  person 
holding  a  primary  place  in  the  government  of  his  coun- 
try— and  in  that  elevated  station,  distinguished  by  his 
superior  talents,  integrity,  and  public  spirit  ;  and  how 
heavy,  and  afflictive,  is  the  loss  sustained  by  a  nation, 
when  such  a  ruler  and  benefactor  is  "  taken  from  its 
head,"  by  the  awful  stroke  of  death. 

To  these  interesting  reflections,  we  are  unavoidably 
led   by  the  consideration  of  the  passage  before  us — 


7a 


SERMON    ON    THE    DEATH    OE 


while  we  here  behold  the  whole  Jewish  nation,  with 
one  consent,  and  as  by  one  instantaneous  impulse,  as- 
suming the  aspect,  and  exhibiting  the  tokens  of  the 
deepest  affliction  and  mourning,  on  account  of  the  death 
of  their  late  king  Josiah  ;  who  was  one  of  the  worthiest 
and  best,  that  ever  reigned  over  them ;  and  whose 
life,  from  his  earliest  years,  had  been  employed,  under 
the  influence  of  (he  purest  and  noblest  principles,  in  pro- 
moting the  temporal  and  religious  interests  of  his  people. 

This  good  king  was  yet  in  the  midst  of  his  days,  or 
in  the  vigor  of  his  age,  when  it  was  his  lot  to  receive  a 
fatal  wound,  in  a  battle,  to  which  he  was  probably  led, 
by  the  terms  of  his  alliance  with  the  king  of  Israel,  who 
was  then  tributary  to  the  king  of  Babylon  ;  and  there- 
fore bound  to  engage  on  the  side  of  that  monarch,  in 
the  war  which  was  commenced  against  him  by  the  king 
of  Egypt.  Of  this  wound  Josiah  died,  immediately 
after  his  return  to  Jerusalem  ;  and  thus  the  flattering, 
and  apparently  well  founded  hopes  of  his  people,  for  a 
much  longer  continuance  of  his  reign,  and  of  the  multi- 
plied blessings  which  they  derived  from  it,  were  sud- 
denly terminated  in  the  most  gloomy  and  painful  disap- 
pointment. 

An  event,  so  calamitous,  might  well  be  expected  to 
diffuse  the  most  afflicting  sensations  through  the  body 
of  the  nation  ;  for  whose  welfare  he  had  shewn  so  ear- 
ly, so  zealous,  and  so  constant  a  concern.  According- 
ly, the  sacred  historian  here  informs  us — that  "  AH 
Judah  and  Jerusalem  mourned  for  Josiah."  The  in- 
habitants of  every  part  of  the  country,  concurring  with 
those  of  the  capital  city,  the  place  of  the  royal  resi- 
dence, in  every  becoming  affecting  demonstration  of 
sorrow,  under  this  heavy  national  calamity. 


GENERAL    GEORGE    WASHINGTON.  77 

It  is  added,  (hat  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  particularly 
lamented  for  Josiah.  This  venerable  prophet,  as  it 
became  a  servant  of  God,  under  that  peculiar  sacred 
character  which  he  sustained,  was  penetrated  with  the 
deepest  grief  for  the  loss  of  a  prince,  whose  pions  cares, 
and  indefatigable  exertions,  were  especially  directed 
to  the  advancement  of  the  cause  of  religion  and  virtue; 
a  cause  with  which  the  peace  and  prosperity,  and  all 
the  great  interests  of  every  community,  as  well  as  of 
every  individual,  are  essentially  and  inseparably  con- 
nected. And  it  is  also  mentioned,  as  another  memora- 
ble circumstance  of  this  national  mourning  for  Josiah, 
that  it  was  long  perpetuated,  by  the  institution  of  cer- 
tain solemn  ser\ices,  including,  particularly,  some 
elegiac  compositions  set  to  plaintive  music,  in  commem- 
oration of  an  event,  so  mournful  in  its  nature,  and  so 
afflicting  in  its  consequences. 

In  the  history  of  mankind  we  shall  often  find  a  re- 
markable similarity  of  events  and  circumstances,  oc- 
curring in  the  most  distant  countries  and  periods  of  time. 

With  this  memorable  mourning  of  the  Jewish  nation, 
for  the  loss  of  their  eminently  worthy  and  amiable  Jo- 
siah ;^how  striking  is  the  resemblance,  that  appears 
in  the  universal,  unfeigned  mourning,  now  exhibited  by 
the  American  people,  for  the  loss  of  their  great,  and 
excellent,  and  beloved  WASHINGTON  ;  whose  life 
was  one  of  the  most  valuable  blessings  of  a  beneficent 
Providence  to  his  country,  and  whose  death  is  justly 
lamented,  as  a  great  national  affliction. 

W^hen  the  m,an,  whom  God  in  his  good  providence, 
was  pleased  to  honor,  as  the  most  distinguished  instru- 
ment in  his  hand,  for  securing  to  the  people  of  Ameri- 
ca, the  liberty,  civil  and  religious — the  independence-— 


78  SERMON    ON    THE    DEATH    OF 

the  peace,  and  the  prosperify,  in  the  enjoyment  of 
which,  thej  are  at  this  day,  apparently,  the  most  fa- 
vored, and  happy  nation  in  the  world.  When  he,' 
who,  obedient  to  the  voice  of  his  country,  repeatedly, 
and  with  magnanimous  self-denial,  exchanged  his  be- 
loved domestic  pursuits  and  enjoyments,  for  the  most 
arduous  stations  of  public  trust  and  service  :  And  in 
those  slations  victoriously  led  our  armies  through  the 
vicissitudes  of  a  most  difficult  and  perilous  revolution- 
ary war  ;  and  ably,  and  successfully  presided  in  the 
executive  department  of  our  national  government,  dur- 
ing many  of  the  most  eventful  years  of  an  unexampled, 
and  awfully  portentous  crisis  in  Europe,  in  which  our 
political  and  commercial  interests  were  deeply  involv- 
ed. When  he,  who  in  the  favorite  scenes  of  private 
life,  in  which  he  delighted  to  pass  his  tranquil  days, 
whenever  the  safety  and  glory  of  his  count r}^  permitted, 
displayed  the  beauty  and  loveliness  of  those  finer 
feelings,  and  accomplishments,  which  dignify  and  adorn 
the  gentleman,  the  philosopher,  the  friend,  and  the  do- 
mestic character.  When  he,  in  a  word,  who  first  vin- 
dicated our  rights,  as  men  and  christians,  with  his 
sword  ;  and  then  shielded  them  from  the  envious,  hostile 
designs  of  powerful  foreign  nations,  and  the  turbulence 
of  restless  intestine  factions,  by  the  wisdom  of  his 
counsels,  the  equity,  moderation,  and  firmness  of  his 
measures  ;  and  who  uniformly  shone  pre-eminent  in 
great  talents,  in  disinterested  patriotism,  and  in  the  lus- 
tre of  his  public  and    private  virtues  and  usefulness  : 

When   such  a  man   is   removed  by  the 

supreme,  righteous  Disposer  of  all  things,  from  every 
station  of  honorable  trust,  and  important  service  among 
his  fellow  mortals— and  from  all  the  scenes  of  mortali- 


GENERAL    GEORGE    WASHINGTON.  r9 

ty  ; — surelj,  it  well  becomes  the  nation,  of  which  he 
was  one  of  the  brightest  ornaments,  and  greatest  bene- 
factors, to  mourn  with  the  feelings  of  undissembled, 
deep,  and  lasting  sorrow  ! 

In  such  a  sorrow  all  the  citizens  of  the  United  States, 
who  really  love  their  country — with  many  in  other  na- 
tions, who  possess  the  sensibilities  of  a  feeling  heart, 
and  the  genuine  spirit  of  philanthropy,  will  bear  a  ten- 
der sympathetic  part ;  and  sincerely  mourn  the  father 
of  his  country,  the  patron  of  liberty,  the  friend  of  hu- 
manity— fallen  under  that  stroke  of  death,  to  which  the 
greatest,  and  most  illustrious,  equally  with  the  feeblest, 
and  most  obscure  of  the  human  race,  must  finally  bow. — > 

Of  the  general  mourning,  which  the  death  of  a  man, 
so  eminently  and  honorably  distinguished  in  life,  might 
well  be  expected  to  produce — the  most  unequivocal 
tokens  are  exhibited,  wherever  the  melancholy  tidings 
of  it  have  been  spread  abroad.  The  customary  badges 
of  grief,  which  indicate  a  near  and  valued  friend  de- 
parted ;  together  with  the  various,  more  public  and 
solemn  expressions  of  a  nation's  sorrows,  proclaim,  in 
the  most  affecting,  and  impressive  language,  that  our 
illustrious  and  beloved  WASHINGTON  is  numbered 
with  the  dead  ;  and  that  his  country  sensibly  feels,  and 
sincerely  mourns,  the  deeply  interesting,  and  afflicting 
event  ! 

That  the  sorrows,  which  we  share  in  common  with 
our  fellow-citizens,  throughout  the  union,  and  with  the 
friends  of  liberty  and  humanity  generally,  under  this 
bereaving  dispensation  of  Divine  Providence,  may  be 
brought  under  the  guidance  of  sober  reflection  and 
true  wisdom,  and  directed  to  some  useful  ends. — 

I  shall  endeavour,  in  the  process  of  this  discourse^; 
to  shew. 


80  SERMON    ON'    THE    DEATH    OF 

I.  Why  the  death  of  great  and  worthy  men,  who 
have  been  eminently  useful  in  their  day,  and  especially 
in  exalted  stations  of  public  trust  and  service^  ought  to 
be  lamented  ;  and, 

II.  What  profitable  improvement  may  be  made  of 
the  event,  which  is  the  occasion  of  the  present  general 
mourning  of  our  country. — 

I.  Why  the  death  of  great  and  worthy  men,  who 
Lave  been  eminently  useful  in  theii  day,  and  especially 
in  exalted  stations  of  public  trust  and  usefulness,  ought 
to  be  lamented. — 

Now  the  death  of  such  men  may  well  be  lamented. 

1 .  On  account  of  the  many  and  great  evils  which  they 
are  instrumental  in  averting  from  a  people.—. 

In  the  present  fallen  state  of  human  nature,  the  pas- 
sions of  men,  their  pride,  their  ambition — their  avarice, 
their  love  of  criminal  pleasure  ;  in  a  word,  their  sel- 
fishness, strongly  impel  them  to  deeds  of  injustice, 
oppression, — and  violence. — Hy  these  vicious  disposi- 
tions, individuals  are  often  stimulated  to  bitfer  and 
deadly  contentions  ; — and  communities,  and  nations, 
are  plunged  into  all  the  outrages  and  calamities  of 
public,  and  long  protracted  wars.  If  left  to  follow  the 
impulse  of  these  corrupt  propensities  of  their  fallen  na- 
ture, without  restraint  or  opposition,  a  few  of  the 
strongest  and  most  unprincipled,  bringing  others,  by 
force  or  artifice,  into  a  subser\iency  to  their  views, 
would  not  he&itate,  with  the  aid  of  such  instruments  of 
their  will,  to  invade  the  rights,  to  seize  the  posses- 
sions, to  sacrifice  the  lives  of  their  fellow-men,  in  any 
extent  which  they  might  think  expedient,  or  find  prac- 
ticable, to  the  accomplishment  of  their  own  base  and 
criminal  purposes. 


GBNERAL    GEORGE   WASHINGTON.  81 

But  as  the  great  Ruler  of  the  universe,  has  designed 
and  formed  mankind  for  the  social  stale  ;  and  has  made 
their  common  mutual  safety  and  welfare  depend,  in  a 
great  measure,  upon  that  union  and  order  uhich  con- 
stitute the  strength  and  beauty  of  society  ; — so  he  con- 
stantly exercises  a  secret  control  over  all  human  in- 
clinations, projects,  and  enterprizes. — And  having  the 
hearts  of  all  men  in  his  hanJs,  he  holds  all  their  tumul- 
tuous imaginations,  raging  appetites,  and  furious  pas- 
sions, continually  subject  to  that  irresistible  authority 
and  power,  by  which,  when  he  pleases,  he  commands 
the  stormy  winds  into  a  calm  ;  and  says  to  the  swelling 
boisterous  sea,  "  Hitherto  shalt  thou  come,  but  no 
farther;  and  here  shall  thy  proud  waves  be  stayed." 
In  his  government  of  mankind,  however,  and  for  the 
accomplishment  of  his  wise  designs,  relating  to  them, 
he  generally  uses  some  visible  means  and  subordinate 
agency,  which  have  a  natural  fitness  to  bring  about  the 
worthy  ends  that  he  has  proposed.  In  this  view,  he 
employs  eminently  the  institutions  of  religion,  and  the 
ministers  of  his  word,  among  the  people,  to  whom  he 
has  been  pleased  to  grant  the  distinguishing  privileges 
and  benefits  of  Divine  Revelation.  And  in  the  nations 
generally,  he  raises  up  from  time  to  time,  particular 
persons,  endued  with  some  peculiar  talents  and  dispo- 
sitions ;  by  which  they  are  qualified  to  rule  over  their 
fellow-men  — i^nd  prompted  to  employ  their  power  and 
influence,  in  providing  for  the  common  welfare  of  the 
great  body  of  the  people  ;  in  restraining  and  quieting 
the  turbulent  members  of  the  community  ;  and  in  dis- 
concerting the  schemes,  and  repelling  the  assaults  of 
their  various  enemies. 

n 


82  SERMON    ON    THE    DEATH    OF 

Thus — while  the  Supreme  Governor  of  nations^ 
sometiaies  elevates  men  of  strong  natural  abilities,  con* 
nected  with  the  most  vile,  and  profligate  moral  princi- 
ples, to  great  power, — .and  then  uses  them  as  the  sword 
in  his  hand,  for  chastising  any  wicked  and  rebellious 
people,  whom  he  determines  to  punish  ; — he  also,  at 
his  pleasure,  calls  forth,  and  advances  to  exalted  sta- 
tions of  authority  and  trust,  men  of  superior  talents 
and  worthy  character ;  and  by  their  instrumentality, 
shields  or  delivers  a  people,  whom  he  chuses  to  favor, 
from  those  violences  or  grievances,  with  which  they 
may  be  menaced  or  oppressed. — By  their  friendly  and 
successful  agency,  the  nation,  or  community,  with  the 
care  of  whose  interests  they  are  intrusted,  whether  in 
the  capacity  of  military  commanders,  or  civil  magis- 
trates, is  rescued  from  the  galling  yoke  of  bondage — > 
from  the  dreadful  state  of  anarchy  and  confusion;  or 
from  the  final  dissolution  and  utter  ruin,  to  which  it 
rais^ht  otherwise  be  reduced,  by  the  folly  and  wicked- 
ness of  many  of  its  own  members  ;  or  by  the  all  2;rasp- 
ing  ambition,  and  insatiable  cupidity  of  foreign  hostile 
nations  and  potentates. 

Such  are  the  mfin,  whom  "  the  Lord  Most  High— - 
Who  is  the  great  King  over  all  the  earth,"  often 
"  q}ves  to  a  people,  according  to  his  manifold  mercies, 
to  be,'*  under  himself,  *'  their  saviours;"  to  be  "  the 
ministers  of  God,  for"  eminent  '*  good,"  to  them  in  a 
state  of  peace  ;  and  his  chosen  instruments,  for  "sav- 
ing them  out  of  the  hand  of  their  enemies,"  in  a  time  of 
war.  When,  th<^refore,  men  thus  specially  qualifiedj 
ano  called  to  fill  the  most  exalted  and  important  stations,, 
in  the  service  of  their  country;  and  <hus  employed,- 
under  the  diiection  of  Divine  Providencej  in  averting 


GENERAL  GEORGE  WASHTXGTON.        83^ 

from  it  the  most  formidable  and  destructive  evils,  are 
removed  by  death  ;  the  afflictive  event  is  doubtless  to 
be  regarded,  as  justly  demanding  the  tears  of  a  be- 
reaved people — as  worthy  of  being  lamented  with  every 
dignified  expression  of  unfeigned  national  sorrow. 

I  proceed  to  observe,  on  the  olherhand,  that  the 
death  of  such  valuable  defenders,  and  guardians  of  a 
people,  is  to  be  thus  lamented. 

2dly.  On  account  of  the  eminent  benefits,  which 
their  instrumentality  is  employed,  by  the  good  provi- 
dence of  God,  in  securing  to  their  country. 

Many  of  the  reflections,  which  we  would  be  here 
naturally  led  to  pursue,  have  been,  in  some  degree,  al- 
ready anticipated,  in  the  observations  suggested  under 
the  preceding  branch  of  this  discourse. 

The  necessity  of  the  institution  and  support  of  gov- 
ernment, among  mankind,  is  universally  acknowledged; 
and  its  utility  has  been  recommended  by  the  experi- 
ence of  all  nations,  in  all  ages.  So  far  as  any  system 
of  government  is  adapted  to  unite  a  people  in  a  state  of 
order  and  peace — to  enforce  the  principles  and  rules  of 
justice  among  them — and  to  secure  them  from  the  mis- 
chievous designs  of  their  enemies,  it  is  sanctioned  by 
the  approbation  of  Heaven  ;  and  its  establishment  is 
to  be  regarded,  as  an  important  public  blessing,  by  the 
people  who  enjoy  it. 

Between  ditferent  systems  of  human  government, 
there  is  indeed  as  wide  a  difference,  as  between  the 
meanest  hut,  raised  by  the  rude  savage,  merely  for  his 
defence  from  the  attacks  of  beasts  of  prey,  or  the  inju- 
rious effects  of  inclement  elements  and  seasons  ;  and 
the  noblest  edifice,  erected  by  the  ingenious  artist, 
combining  requisite  strength,   with  pleasing  proportion. 


tti  SERMON    Or^    THE    0J3ATH    0¥< 

and  chaste  ornament,  and  adapted  to  afford  the  most 
secure  and  comfortable  accommodation  to  its  inhabi- 
tants. But  for  directing  well,  and  applying  efficacious- 
ly, the  powers  of  the  best  constitution  of  government, 
it  is  obvious,  that  none  are  properly  qualified,  but 
those  who  possess  peculiar  abilities  for  the  manage- 
ment of  public  affairs  :  And  it  is  equally  certain,  that  on 
the  moral  principles,  which  direct  their  conduct,  the 
welfare  of  the  community  very  much  depends.  Wheth- 
er they  are  charged  with  the  administration  of  the  civ- 
il, or  military  affairs  of  their  country  ;  having  its  great 
interests  committed  to  their  care,  and  its  resources 
placed  in  their  hands  ;  they  are  at  once  laid  under  pe- 
culiar obligations,  and  enjoy  peculiar  advantages,  for 
studying  and  promoting  the  public  good  ;  and  when 
possessed  of  those  united  qualifies  of  the  head  and  the 
heart,  which  distinguish  great  and  worthy  rulers  and 
commanders — -the  public  good  will  be  the  favorite  ob- 
ject of  their  regard  and  pursuit — >and  in  the  ordinary 
course  of  things,  will  be  greatly  advanced  by  their 
agency.  In  their  superior  station,  distinguished  by 
their  great  talents  and  virtues—by  their  knowledge  of 
Luman  nature,  of  its  powers  and  weaknesses — of  its 
passions  and  its  wants — and  of  the  state  of  their  own 
nation,  considered  in  an  abstract  point  of  view,  and  in 
its  relations  to  other  countries — by  their  penetrating, 
accurate  judgment,  and  enlarged,  comprehensive  view 
of  things— by  the  wisdom  of  their  counsels,  and  the 
rectitude  of  their  measures — by  the  purity  and  ardor 
of  their  patriotism  ;  and  by  their  active  courage,  and 
unyielding  resolution,  in  meeting  and  surmounting  the 
various  and  multiplied  dangers,  difficulties  and  trials, 
which  they  may  have  to  encounter  in  their  country's 


GENERAL  GEORGE  WASHINGTON.        85 

cause  and  service — they  are  eminently  qu.tlified,  to 
teach  the  great  body  of  the  people,  for  whom  they  act, 
the  nature  and  value  of  their  civil  and  sacred  rights, 
and  privileges,  and  to  guide  and  animate  their  exer- 
tions in  the  pursuit  and  defence  of  their  true  interests  ; 
— and  under  the  smiles  of  a  favouring  Providence,  their 
instrumentality  has  a  great  effect,  in  securing  and  im- 
proving the  most  important  national  advantages. 

The  desirable  ends,  which  their  high  qualifications, 
and  patriotic  labours  are  thus  adapted  to  accomplish, 
are  further  promoted  by  the  powerful  engaging  influ- 
ence of  their  great  example.  For  "  as  the  going  forth 
of  the  sun,  is  from  the  end  of  heaven,  and  his  circuit 
unto  the  ends  of  it,  and  there  is  nothing  hid  from  the 
heat  thereof;"  so  the  examples  of  great  and  good  men, 
moving  in  exalted  spheres  of  public  service,  and  use- 
fulness, diffuse  their  enlightening  and  enlivening  beams, 
through  the  wide  extent  of  the  land  in  which  they  bear 
rule  ;  and  have  an  happy  tendency  to  stimulate  and 
allure  the  other  members  of  the  community,  in  subor- 
dinate stations,  to  imitate  their  conduct,  in  the  cultiva- 
tion of  a  public  spirit,  and  in  the  practice  of  whatsoever 
things  are  pious  and  just — generous  and  honorable — 
lovely  and  praise-worthy; — and,  in  short,  in  the  pur- 
suit of  that  course  of  well  doing,  which  conducts  indi- 
viduals, and  communities,  to  a  state  of  the  most  desira- 
ble prosperity  in  this  world  ;  while  it  leads  those,  who 
walk  in  it,  under  the  influence  of  a  truly  christian 
faith,  to  glory,  honor,  and  immortality  in  the  world  to 
come. 

Highly  favoured  indeed,  are  the  people  to  whom  the 
Lord  gives  such  rulers  and  commanders,  as  his  chosen 
agents,  for  communicating   and   securing  to  them  so 


86  SERMON    ON    THE    DEATH    OP 

many  precious  blessings  of  his  favor — and  so  rich  a 
portion  of  national  honor  and  happiness  ! 

When,  therefore,  a  people  are  bereaved  of  such  val- 
uable benefactors,  thej  sustain  an  unspeakable  loss  ^ 
and  are  solemnly  called  by  the  providence  of  God  to 
mourn — feelingly  and  deeply  to  mourn  under  the  heavy 
and  distressing  stroKe  of  his  holy  hand. 

The  observations  which  have  been  suggested,  will, 
it  is  believed,  admit  of  a  just  and  forcible  application  to 
the  present  case  of  our  own  nation,  under  that  very  af- 
flicting dispensation  of  Divine  Providence,  which  has 
bereaved  us,  of  a  general  and  statesman,  who,  in  the 
expressive  and  emphatical  language  of  our  House  of 
Representatives  in  Congress, — "  was  the  first  in  war — 
ibf  first  in  peace,  and  the  first  in  the  affections  of  his 
country." 

To  trace  the  respectable  descent  of  this  great  and 
worthy  man — to  attend  to  the  first  promising  buds  of  a 
superior  mind,  and  of  his  future  greatness,  which  be- 
gan to  unfold  themselves  in  his  juvenile  days  and  pur- 
suits— 10  observe  the  early  display  of  his  extraordinary 
military  talents  in  a  station  of  subordinate  but  honora- 
ble and  important  command,  while  these  United  States 
were  yet  dependent  provinces  of  Great  Britain — to 
follow  him  in  his  great  career  of  military  glory, — when 
as  commander  in  chief,  he  directed  the  operations  of 
our  armies,  during  the  whole  eight  years  of  the  memor- 
able revolutionary  war  ;  into  which  we  were  driven  by 
the  unwarrantable  claims  of  the  British  government — 
claims  too  arrogant,  degrading,  and  injurious,  not  to  be 
resisted  and  repelled  by  the  free  born  and  high  spirited 
sons  of  America — to  mark  the  dignified  manner  in 
which  he  resigned  into  the  hands  of  the  American  Con- 


Gfi^EHAL    GEORGE    WASHTNGtON.  H7 

gress  the  hisrh  commission  which  he  had  received  from 
them,  when  the  ^reat  objects  of  i(, — the  independence 
and  liberties  of  his  country,  were  accomplished  and  se- 
cured ;  and  the  truly  paternal  affection,  and  solicitude, 
with  which  he  addressed  some  of  the  wisest  and  most 
salutary  moral  and  political  instructions  and  admoni- 
tions, to  his  fellow-soldiers,  and  fellow-citizens,  whea 
from  the  most  elevated  station  of  military  authority 
and  power,  he  voluntarily  and  cheerfully  descended  to 
the  ordinary  condition  and  employments  of  a  private 
gentleman — (o  exhibit  the  important  part,  which  with- 
in a  few  years  after  this  period,  he  was  called  to  act  in 
that  venerable  convention  of  the  principal  statesmen  of 
America  ;  by  whose  collected  wisdom,  our  present  ex- 
cellent system  of  federal  government  was  framed,  and 
in  whose  deliberations  he  presided,  as  the  most  honor- 
ed and  influential  member  of  that  enlightened  and  pat- 
riotic body — to  review  his  able  and  successful  adminis- 
tration of  this  new  government,  in  the  ofSce  of  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  to  which  he  was  first  raised 
for  the  legal  term  of  four  years  ;  and  in  which  be  was 
afterwards  continued  for  a  like  term,  by  the  Tinani- 
mons  sufTrages  of  the  widely  dispersed  millions  of  his 
fellow-citizens — to  represent  him  in  the  sublime  atti- 
tude in  which  he  appeared*  when  delivering  the  last 
solemn  advice,  which  he  directly  addressed,  under  a 
public  character,  to  the  American  people  ;  advice 
which  was  the  fruit  of  superior  wisdom,  matured  by 
Ion?  experience,  and  of  the  purest  and  most  disinter- 
ested patriotism,  that  had  stood  the  test  of  the  severest 
trials  ;  while  at  the  same  time  he  announced  his  de- 
cided resolution  to  decline  standing  a  candidate  for  a 
re-election  to  the  presidency,  on  which  he  had  reasoR 


88  SERMON   ON    THE    DEATH    OF 

to  calrulafe  with  the  greatest  confidence  ;— and  cob- 
formably  to  his  declared  purpose,  iaimediateij  retired, 
from  all  the  flattering  distinctions  connected  with  the 
supreme  magistracy  of  the  L'nion,  to  the  ardently  de- 
sired calm  retreat  of  private  life,  in  which  he  designed, 
and  hoped  to  pass  the  residue  of  his  days  in  undisturb- 
ed tranquility  and  peace— -to  pourtray  the  glory  of  the 
finishing  public  act  of  his  exalted,  and  unabated  pat- 
riotism, when  he  once  more  yielded  to  the  importunate 
call  of  his  country,  and  consented  to  resume  the  com- 
mand of  the  forces,  which  it  was  preparing  for  its  de- 
fence against  the  injustice  and  violence  of  a  rapacious, 
a?iibitious,  and  unprincipled  foreign  power  ; — to  con- 
template him  here  in  the  closing  scene,  when  thus  de- 
termined and  prepared,  to  relinquish  the  repose  which 
was  so  agreeable  and  desirable  to  his  advanced  age,  af- 
ter the  long  continued  pressing  labours  of  a  most  active 
public  life,  for  the  toils  and  dangers  of  an  apparently- 
inevitable  and  arduous  war  ; — receiv  ing  the  solemn 
mandate  of  Heaven,  which  summoned  his  great  soul  to 
the  world  of  spirits; — and  with  that  calm  and  unshaken 
firmness  of  mind,  for  which  he  was  ever  remarkable, 
finishing  his  honorable,  earthly  career  in  death — to 
speak  now  particularly  of  the  inestimable  services 
which  he  rendered  to  his  country,  and  to  the  cause  of 
religion,  liberty,  and  humanity  ;— ir  to  attempt  a  de- 
lineation of  the  particular  features  of  his  great  character. 

c All  this  would  form  an 

undertaking,  to  which  I  feel  myself  wholly  incompe- 
tent !  and  which  could  not  be  well  executed  by  the 
best  abilities,  within  the  limits  prescribed  to  this  dis- 
course. This  accordingly  comes  not  within  my  pres- 
ent design  ;  but  is  left  as  the  proper  work  of  the  biog- 


GENERAL  GEORGE  WASHINGTON.        89 

rapher  and  historian  ; — and  in  the  faithful,  well-writtea 
memoirs  of  his  life, — and  history  of  his  country, — the 
sublime  character, — and  the  illustrious  deeds  of  our 
WASHINGTON,  will  doubtless  shine  with  pre-emi- 
nent glory, — through  a  long  series  of  ages,  and  diffuse 
an  increasing  splendour  over  many  succeeding  genera- 
tions. 

In  the  mean  time,  while  we  mourn  the  Father  of  our 
country  taken  from  our  head,  and  gone  down  to  "  the 
grave,  the  house  prepared  for  all  living  ;" — let  us  now 
be  led  to  consider,—* 

II.  What  profitable  improvement  may  be  made  of 
this  event,  which  is  the  occasion  of  the  present  deep 
and  universal  sorrow  and  mourning  cf  our  country — 
and, 

1.  It  becomes  us  to  cherish  the  remembrance  of  the 
excellent  character  and  eminent  services  of  our  coun- 
try's most  illustrious  citizen  and  distinguished  benefac- 
tor, whose  death  we  now  lament,  with  a  grateful  sense 
of  our  obligations  to  the  beneficent  providence  of  God, 
who  qualified  and  employed  him,  as  a  leading  instru- 
ment, in  securing  to  us  so  many,  and  such  inestimably 
valuable  national  blessings. 

The  memory  of  the  man,  whom  God  was  pleased 
most  remarkably  to  honor,  as  the  instrument  in  his 
hand,  for  the  communication  of  so  much  good  to  our 
highly  favoured  nation,  should  be  peculiarly  dear  to  all 
our  citizens  ; — and  it  should  be  transmitted,  with  every 
appropriate,  impressive  mark  of  distinguishing  esteem 
and  regard,  to  posterity — as  a  splendid  example  for 
the  imitation  of  future  patriots,  generals,  and  states- 
men—«and  of  our  citizens  generally,  in  every  depart- 
ment of  public  and  private  life. — In  the  records  of  na- 
12 


&0  SERMON    ON    THE    DEATH    OF 

lions,  excepting  only  those  of  God's  ancient,  choseo 
and  peculiar  people,  we  should  probably  search  in  vain 
for  the  example  of  an  union  of  great  talents  and  virtues, 
of  worthy  conduct,  and  important  usefulness,  superior, 
if  we  even  could  find  one  equal,  to  that  which  has  been 
exhibited  by  our  admired  and  beloved  Washington, 
in  those  hi£;h  military  and  civil  employments,  in  which 
he  was  called  to  defend  and  serve  his  country. 

But  remembering  that  "  every  good  gift,"  every 
valuable  possession,  privilege,  or  benefit,  whether  of  a 
private  or  public  nature,  or  through  whatever  channel, 
or  medium,  conveyed  to  us,  "  comes  down  from  the 
Great  Father  of  lights  and  mercies  ;" — let  us  study  to 
be  thankful  to  HIM,  who  graciously  provided  such  a 
general  and  statesman,  to  conduct  our  military  opera- 
tions, and  administer  our  civil  and  political  affairs,  dur- 
ing a  long  period,  the  most  critical  and  interesting  to 
our  nation — who  crowned  his  wise  councils,  his  virtuous 
measures,  his  heroic  eflforts,  with  such  happy  success—* 
and  who  prolonged  his  life,  with  his  capacity,  and  his 
zeal  unimpaired,  for  the  service  of  his  country — till  it 
wag  safely  conducted  through  a  long  series  of  the  most 
perplexing  difficulties,  and  formidable  dangers,  and  at 
length  securely  established,  as  we  trust,  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  a  most  excellent  constitution  of  governmenty 
and  a  most  desirable  state  of  peace  and  prosperity. 
Most  kind  and  indulgent,  indeed,  has  been  the  provi- 
dence of  the  God  of  our  mercies,  in  first  bestowing  up- 
on us,  and  then  forbearing  to  remove  from  us,  the  man, 
who  was  one  of  the  most  impregnable  bulwarks  of  our 
country  in  war,  and  one  of  its  strongest  pillars  in  peace — 
li-11  it  was  settled  and  confirmed  in  its  present  eligible 
situation  ;  in  which  it  does  not  probably  so  immediate- 


GESTERAL    6EOROE    WASHINGTON.  91 

ly  depend,  as  at  some  former  periods,  on  the  services 
or  influence  of  anj  individual ;  and  seems  not  likely  to 
be  so  easily  shaken,  as  it  might  have  sometimes  hereto- 
fore been,  by  the  restless  spirit  of  infernal  faction  ;  or 
by  the  dark  intrigues,  or  open  violence  of  foreign,  jeaU 
,  ous,  and  unfriendly  nations  ! 

Let  us  I  hen,  at  once,  honor  the  memory  of  our  de- 
parted illustrious  General  and  President ;  and  praise 
the  divine  and  most  bountiful  Author  of  all  the  various 
blessings  of  a  civil  and  a  sacred  nature,  which  through 
his  distinguished  agency,  we  have  experienced,  and 
now  enjoy,  as  an  independenl,  a  free,  a  great,  and  an 
happy  nation  ! 

2.  Let  us  learn  "  to  cease  from  man,  whose  breath 
is  in  his  nostrils," — and  to  repose  an  humble,  stedfast 
trust  and  hope,  in  the  ever-living,  all-sufficient,  and  un- 
changeable God,  for  that  guidance,  protection,  and  va- 
rious aid,  which  as  a  people,  we  continually  need,  in  or- 
der to  our  safety  and  welfare. 

"  Lord,  what  is  man,  and  wheretn  is  he  to  be  ac- 
counted of?" — "  All  flesh  is  grass,  and  the  glory  of 
man,  as  the  flower  of  the  grass  ;  the  grass  withereth, 
and  the  flower  thereof  falleth  away.  In  the  morning  it 
flourisheth  and  groweth  up  ;  in  the  evening  it  is  cut 
down  and  withereth  !" — What  is  man  in  honor?  He  is 
a  shadow  that  passeth  rapidly  away.  What  is  man  in 
his  best  estate  ?  He  is,  in  respect  of  all  the  worldly 
advantages  which  he  may  possess,  and  of  all  the  bene- 
fits which  his  fellow-mortals  may  expect  from  him,  al- 
together vanity  ! 

"  Let  us  not  then  put  our  trust  in  princes," — in  those 
who  among  their  fellow-men  are  clothed  with  supreme 
authority  and  power,  or  bear  the  character  of  the  great 


92  SERMON    ON    THE    DEATH    OF 

and  the  good-—**  nor  in  the  son  of  man,"  of  whatever 
qualifications,  or  in  whatever  station,  "  for  in  him  there 
is  no"  effectual  or  certain  "  help."  "  Their  breath  go- 
eth  forth — they  return  to  their  earth  ;  in  that  verj 
day  all  their  thoughts,"  either  for  their  own  aggran- 
dizement, or  security,  or  for  promoting  the  public 
good,  "  perish"  in  the  gloom  of  "  the  grave,  where 
they  have  no  more  a  portion  in  any  thing  that  is  done 
under  the  sun." — But  let  us  remember,  "  that  happy 
is  the  man,  and  happy  the  people — and  that  happy 
alone  are  they,  who  have  the  God  of  Jacob  for  their 
help,  and  whose  hope  is  in  the  Lord  their  God,  who 
made  Heaven  and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  therein 
is; — who  keepeth  truth  forever — who  executeth  judg- 
ment for  the  oppressed — who  loveth  the  righteous  ; 
but  the  way  of  the  wicked  he  turneth  upside  down— • 
who  putteth  down  one  and  sitteth  up  another — who 
straighteneth  the  nations  and  enlargeth  them  at  his 
pleasure  ;  and  who,  in  the  exercise  of  his  sovereign, 
Almighty,  most  wise,  righteous,  and  beneficent  domin- 
ion, reigneth  for  ever,  even  unto  all  generations," 

Our  lately  universally  esteemed,  and  now  universal- 
ly lamented  Washington,  in  the  possession  of  all  his 
excellencies  and  honors,  was  but  a  mortal  man. 
Thanks  be  to  God  for  the  great  qualifications  by  which 
he  was  distinguished — for  his  important  public  servi- 
ces— and  for  the  long  continuance  of  his  eminently  val- 
uable and  useful  life  ! — And  now,  blessed  be  God,  that 
the  hopes  of  our  country  are  not  buried  in  the  same 
tomb  with  his  venerable  dust  ;  but  that  to  Himself,  who 
is  "  the  possessor  of  all  that  is  in  the  heaven  and  in 
the  earth— .whose  is  the  greatness,  and  the  power,  and 


GENERAL    GEORGE    WASHINGTOIT,  93 

the  glory,  and  the  victory,  and  the  majesty,  who  reigns 
over  all,  and  who  is  the  same,  yesterday,  to  day,  and 
for  ever" — we  may  still  look  up  as  "  our  light  and  our 
salvation,"  "  for  leaders  and  commanders  of  the  peo- 
ple," for  the  preservation  of  our  independence  and  lib- 
erties, government  and  laws,  order  and  peace,  and  the 
perpetuity  and  advancement  of  our  national,  as  well  as 
personal  safety,  prosperity,  and  happiness  ! 

3.  While  we  mourn  for  the  loss  which  our  nation  has 
sustained,  by  the  death  of  such  an  able  defender,  and 
distinguished  benefactor — let  us  be  excited  to  pray  for 
our  country,  and  especially  for  those,  who  occupy  the 
principal  places  of  authority,  trust,  and  power,  in  its 
government. 

**  To  offer  up  supplications,  prayers,  and  interces- 
sions for  all  men,"  and  especially  for  those,  whose  inter- 
est and  welfare,  ar  e  most  nearly  connected  with  our  own, 
and  upon  whose  counsels  and  measures,"  our  safety  and 
happiness,  under  God,  most  immediately  depend — is  at 
all  times  an  important  christian  duty.  For  our  fellow- 
men,  in  every  nation  of  the  earth,  in  every  branch  of 
the  great  family  of  mankind,  we  should  constantly 
pray  ;  that  they  may  enjoy  the  advantages  of  wise  and 
good  governments  and  laws — and  the  blessings  of  the 
gospel  of  the  great  Redeemer  of  fallen  men,  in  its  un- 
clouded light,  uncorrupted  purity,  and  saving  power  ; 
— -"  that  the  people  who  delight  in  war  may  be  scatter- 
ed— that  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  may  come  to  an 
end — that  the  just  may  be  established," — and  that  the 
cause  of  truth  and  righteousness,  and  of  genuine  liber- 
ty, civil  and  religious,  involving  all  the  great  interests 
of  communities  and  individuals,  may  prevail  and  tri- 
umph, universally,  through  the  world. 


94  SERMON-    ON    THE    DEATH    OF 

For  our  countrj,  especiallj,  we  should  continually 
pray — that  the  great  Governor  of  nations,  our  guardian 
God,  and  the  God  of  salvation,  may  be  pleased  to  for- 
give our  multiplied  follies  and  offences,  by  which  we 
are  daily  forfeiting  his  mercies,  and  provoking  his  judg- 
ments ; — "  to  turn  away  every  token  of  his  anger  from 
us,  and  remember  us  wirh  the  favor  which  he  bears  to 
his  chosen  and  peculiar  people" —  to  secure  to  us  the 
full  and  uninterrupted  possession  of  our  personal 
and  national  rights  and  privileges  ;  in  the  enjoyment  of 
order,  harmony,  and  tranquillity  at  home,  and  of  peace 
and  honor  abroad— -to  prosper  all  ranks  and  classes  of 
the  inhabitants  of  our  land,  in  their  several  stations, 
and  lawful,  worldly  pursuits — and  "  to  visit  us  with" 
the  infinitely  more  precious  blessings  of  "  his  spiritual 
and  everlasting  salvation," 

"  For  all  in  authority  over  us,"  and  intrusted  with 
the  care  of  our  national  interests,  in  public  stations,  we 
ought  more  particularly  to  pray,  that  they  may  be 
"  wise  and  able  men,  such  as  fear  God,  men  of  truth, 
hating  covetousness,"  and  zealous,  active,  resolute,  and 
stedfast  in  their  concern  for,  and  pursuit  of  the  public 
good.  Considering  how  multiplied,  arduous,  and  per- 
plexing, are  the  cares  of  government — how  peculiarly 
strong  and  pressing  are  the  temptations,  with  which 
men,  in  exalted  stations  of  trust  and  power,  are  contin- 
ually surrounded  ;  and  how  many,  and  great,  are  the 
evils  or  benefits,  which  may  result  to  the  community 
from  their  ill  or  good  conduct,  in  the  important  places 
which  they  occupy — in  the  elevated  spheres  wherein 
they  move — we  should,  from  a  tender  sympathy  for 
them,  and  a  prudent  regard  to  our  own  interests,  pray 
continually  for  our  rulers — "  that  the  Lord  may  give 
them  a  wise  and   understanding  heart,  to  discern  be- 


GENERAL  GEORGE  WASHINGTON^.        95 

tween  good  and  evil,  and  to  go  out  and  in  before  a  great 
people,"  with  discretion  and  fidelity,  with  unsullied 
honor  and  good  success. 

And  thus  are  we,  by  a  special,  solemn  voice  of  Di- 
vine Providence,  called  to  praj  for  our  country,  at  the 
present  juncture,  while  mourning  the  recent  death,  of 
our  late  illustrious  General  and  President  ;  and  to  pray, 
more  particularly,  for  his  worthy  and  venerable  suc- 
cessor in  the  presidency  of  the  Union;  that  he  may 
be  divinely  assisted,  in  sustaining  the  increased  weight 
of  anxious  care,  which  is  devolved  upon  him,  by  the 
loss  of  so  early,  able,  and  experienced  an  associate,  in 
the  great  cause  of  America — and  that  he  may  steadily 
and  firmly,  proceed  to  tread  in  the  same  steps  of  wis- 
dom, virtue,  and  honor,  by  which  the  great  and  excel- 
lent Washington  conducted  his  country,  to  the  pres- 
ent dignified  and  enviable  rank,  which  it  holds  among 
the  nations  of  the  earth. 

Finally  ; 

4.  Let  the  consideration  of  this  very  affecting  in- 
stance of  mortality,  which  has  filled  the  heart  of  our 
nation  with  sorrow  and  mourning,  be  improved  to 
awaken  and  engage  us  all,  to  a  faithful  and  diligent  dis- 
charge of  the  duties  of  our  respective  stations  ;  and  to 
a  seasonable  preparation,  and  constant  watchfulness  for 
the  order  of  God,  which  shall  dismiss  us  from  all  our 
employments  here,  to  a  state  of  righteous  and  ever- 
lasting retribution  in  a  future  world. 

To  act,  as  if  we  thought  that  we  were  bound  by  no 
obligations,  to  extend  our  views  or  regards  beyond  our- 
selves ;  but  had  a  right  to  employ  our  time  and  powers, 
merely  to  serve  our  own  selfish  purposes,  would  be  very 
disgraceful  to  our  character  as  men  and  citizens.  Much 


96  SERMON    ON    THE    DEATH    OF 

more  reproachful  then,  must  such  conduct  appear  to 
be,  in  those  who  bear  the  name  of  Christians — when  it 
is  viewed  in  the  light  of  the  gospel — when  it  is  consid- 
ered as  in  direct  contradiction  to  those  benevolent  and 
refined  principles  of  the  religion  of  the  blessed  Jesus, 
which  require  us  "  to  love  our  neighbour  as  ourselves" — - 
"  to  rejoice  with  them  that  rejoice— to  weep  with  them 
that  weep" — "  to  bear  one  another's  burthens" — **  and 
as  we  have  ability  and  opportunity,  to  do  good  to  all 
around  us." 

Let  us,  therefore,  reflect  and  consider  what  the  Lord 
our  God  and  Saviour  requires  of  us,  in  our  several  sta- 
tions— and  endeavour  to  occupy,  with  the  talents  which 
he  has  committed  to  us,  in  that  manner,  by  which  his 
great  name  may  be  most  glorified,  and  the  best  inter- 
ests of  our  fellow-men,  together  with  our  own,  most  ef- 
fectually advanced. 

Fathers,  Let  not  the  residue  of  your  strength  be 
wholly  spent  in  that  ease  and  inactivity,  which,  to  de- 
clining years,  usually  appear  most  inviting. — If  you  are 
yet  living  to  yourselves,  and  for  this  world  ;  surely  it 
is  high  time  that  you  begin  to  live  to  the  Lord,  and  for 
eternity. 

If,  in  the  course  of  a  life  of  christian  faith,  piety  and 
virtue,  you  are  serving  and  honoring  the  adorable 
Author  of  your  being  and  redemption,  and  pursuing  the 
great  euds  of  your  rational  existence, — "  Be  not  weary 
in  well  doing,  but  hold  on  your  way,  and  hold  out  to 
the  end,  and  still  go  from  strength  to  strength,  till 
you  enter  into  that  everlasting  rest,  which  remaineth 
for  the  people  of  God."  And  remember,  that  it  par- 
ticularly becomes  you,  to  teach  the  rising  generation 
their  duties  to  God,  to  their  neighbour,  and  themselves 


GENERAL    GEORGE    WASHINGTON.  '         97 

—to  admonish  them  of  the  vicissitude?,  the  tempta- 
tions, the  dangers,  to  which  they  may  be  exposed  in 
the  untried  journey  of  life  ;  and  to  recommend  the 
counsels  of  matured  wisdom,  and  long  experience,  by 
the  engaging  inSuence  of  the  good  example,  which  you 
will  exhibit,  while  you  continue  to  walk  with  steady 
steps,  and  cheerful  hopes,  in  "  the  path  of  the  just ; 
which  is  as  tiie  shining  light"  of  the  morning,  "  shining 
more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day." 

Young  men.  Let  not  the  flower  of  your  age ;  the 
vigour  of  your  faculties,  be  dishonored  and  wasted  in 
the  indulgence  of  unmanly  sloth — of  unprofitable,  dissi- 
pating amusements — or  of  sordid,  criminal,  and  de- 
structive pleasures  :  But  study  to  furnish  your  minds 
with  useful  knowledge,  to  acquire  and  strengthen  the 
dispositions  and  habits  of  purity  and  temperance,  of 
regularity  and  diligence,  of  generosity  and  economy. 
"  Remember  your  Creator  and  Redeemer  in  the  days 
of  your  youth  :"  Choose  and  pursue  "  the  wa}S  of 
wisdom,  which  are  the  only  ways  of  pleasantness,  and 
peace  :"  Fulfil  the  obligations  of  every  relation,  which 
you  sustain,  with  respectful  attention  and  affection  ; 
with  strict  fidelity  and  becoming;  cheerfulness  ;  and  let 
your  breasts  glow  with  a  laudable,  ardent  ambition,  to 
act  a  worthy  part,  and  become  the  ornaments  and  bles- 
sings of  society,  in  your  day. 

Let  it  be  the  concern  of  ever}* one  of  us,  in  short, 

that  we  may  feel  the  power,  and  manifest  the  influence 

of  those  sacred,  heavenly  principles  of  the  gospel,  wliich 

will  bear  down  every  selfish,  contracted  disposition  of 

our  degenerate   nature,  and  elevate   and  enlarge  our 

hearts,  in  the  most  benevolent  desires,  and  prompt  us 

to  correspondent,  worthy  effoi  ta,  to  be  as  useful  as  pos° 
13 


98  SERMON    ON    THE    DEATH    OF 

sible,  in  our  respective  spheres — to  contribute  some- 
thing to  the  welfare  of  the  civil  community,  with  which 
We  are  connected,  and  to  the  extension  of  the  bounds,  and 
the  advancement  of  the  glory  of  the  Redeemer's  king- 
dom of  grace  in  the  world. 

And  by  the  great  example  of  the  distinguished  friend 
and  benefactor  of  his  country,  whose  loss  we  now  de- 
plore ;  let  us  all  be  taught  and  animated  to  cherish  that 
public  spirit,  which  shone  so  conspicuously  in  him  ; 
and  which  will  determine  us  to  maintain  for  ourselves, 
and  to  transmit  to  the  generations,  that  shall  come  af- 
ter us,  the  national  independence,  and  the  precious  lib- 
erties involved  in  it,  for  which  he  so  nobly  fought — • 
and  which  he  guarded  with  so  vigilant  an  eye,  and  faith- 
ful a  hand, — and  to  exert  our  influence,  as  far  as  it  may- 
extend,  for  preserving  and  supporting  religion  and  mo- 
rality, order  and  peace,  in  our  land, — for  promoting  the 
prosperity  of  church  and  state,  and  for  aiding  our  fel- 
low-citizens, and  fellow  ch»is<ians,  and  our  brethren  of 
mankind,  generally,  whom  we  may  be  able  to  serve,  in 
respect  to  their  common  and  sacred,  their  temporal  and 
eternal  concerns. 

The  father  of  his  country  no  longer  lives,  to  unite, 
animate,  and  guide  its  citizens,  and  its  armies  in  its  de- 
fence—.to  watch  for  its  welfare — to  plan  and  labour  for 
its  prosperity  and  its  glory.  How  far  its  safety,  or  its 
interests  may  be  aff«cted  by  his  lamented  death,  we 
yet  know  not.  But  when  we  reflect  upon  the  existing 
circumstances  of  our  nation,  deprived,  as  it  now  is,  of 
the  presence,  the  talents,  the  counsels,  the  cares,  the 
example,  the  influence  of  its  most  revered  and  honored 
citizen,  its  most  strenuous  defender,  and  most  vigilant 
and  faithful  guardian  , — we  must  surely  be  aware,  that 


GENERAL    GEORGE    WASHINGTOIT.  99 

ilnow  demands  from  all,  whose  interests  are  embarked 
in  its  cause,  a  more  solicitous  attention  to  its  necessi- 
ties—and a  redoubled  zeal  in  every  patriotic  effort,  by 
which  it  may  be  defended  and  benefitted.  And  let 
those,  who  may  be  ready  to  apprehend,  that  they  can 
do  little  or  nothing  for  the  public  good,  be  reminded, 
that  they  can,  at  least,  pray  for  il  ;  and  that  "  the 
Lord  is  a  God  hearing  prayer  ;'*  and  "  having  already 
done  great  things  for  lis,'*  may  be  ready  to  do  still 
greater  things  for  us, — ♦*  but  will  yet  be  inquired  of  by 
us,  that  he  may  do  them  for  us.'* 

Recollecting  also,  that  our  opportunities  in  this 
world  for  serving  God,  and  our  generation,  according 
to  the  will  of  God,  and  for  securing  the  salvation  atid 
everlasting  happiness  of  our  own  souls,  are  very  short 
and  precarious — let  us  be  admonished  to  undertake 
and  "  to  do  with  our  might,  whatever  our  hand  findeth 
to  do." 

Every  instance  of  mortality,  which  we  witness,  or  of 
which  we  hear,  is  adapted,  impressively,  to  enforce  the 
word  of  God,  by  which  we  are  warned,  *'  that  the 
time  is  short."  But  from  the  tomb  of  the  great  Wash- 
ington, for  whom  his  country  now  mourns,  through  all 
its  borders — the  voice  of  death  speaks  to  us  with  more 
than  ordinary  solemnity  and  emphasis—'*  Be  ye  also 
ready — for  in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not,  the  Son  of 
Man  Cometh."  "  In  such  an  hour  as  we  think  not," 
or  may  be  least  aware  of  his  approach,  the  Son  of  IVIan, 
"  who  hath  the  keys  of  death,  and  of  the  invisible 
world,"  may  come,  by  his  dread  summons,  to  call  us 
from  time  to  eternity  ;  from  a  temporary  state  of  ser- 
vice and  trial,  to  an  everlasting  slate  of  righteousness 
and  unchangeable  retribution. 


100  SERMON  ON  THE  DEATH  OF 

How  soon  did  the  humane  and  amiable  hero,  yield  to 
the  violence  of  unrelenting  disease!  How  quicklj  did 
the  mighf  J  and  renowned  conqueror  fall,  with  all  his 
mortal  honors  blooaiing  upon  him—"  in  that  war  in 
v,hich  there  is  no  discharge  !" 

And  must  not  we  as  certainly  die  ?  And  may  we 
not,  in  like  manner,  die  with  as  little  previous  warning 
of  our  impending  dissolution  ;  or  by  a  stroke  from  the 
last  enemy,  still  more  sudden  and  unexpected  ?  O  let 
us  hasten  then,  in  our  preparation  for  the  closing  scene 
of  life — for  that  all  important  change  of  worlds  to  which 
we  are  approaching,  as  fast  as  the  rapid  flight  of  time 
can  bear  us  forward  ! 

Let  us  look  well  to  ourselves,  and  see  that  our  souls 
are  committed  in  the  exercise  of  that  unfeigned  faith, 
"  which  is  the  gift  of  God,  and  the  work  of  his  holy- 
spirit,"  into  the  hands  of  that  Divine,  Almighty,  and 
most  gracious  Redeemer,  "  whose  is  the  only  name  un- 
der Heaven,  given  among  men,  by  which  any  can  be 
saved  ;"  and  on  whose  atonement,  righteousness,  and 
intercession,  the  most  illustrious  saviours  of  their  coun- 
try, equally  with  the  meanest  and  most  abject  of  the 
children  of  men,  must  entirely  depend,  for  the  forgive- 
ness of  their  sins  ;  for  reconciliation  and  peace  with 
God;  and  for  the  attainment  of  that  everlasting  life, 
which  God  has  promised  to  believers,  and  which  is  to 
be  found  only  in  his  Son.  Let  us,  also,  be  active  and 
diligent,  "sfedfast  and  immoveable,  and  more  and 
more  abounding,  in  all  the  work  and  service  of  the 
Lord,"  to  v;hich  we  are  called,  as  the  followers  of  the 
great  Captain  of  our  salvation  ;  and  let  it  be  our  most 
serious  concern,  and  care,  that  we  may  be  found  ever 
watching  for  the  coming  of  our  Lord  ;  and  waiting  with 


GENERAL  GEORGE  WASHINGTON.        101 

3.  stedfast  faith,  with  a  lively  hope,  and  with  an  earnest 
desire,  for  his  sovereign  order  to  lay  down  our  flesh  in 
Its  native  earth  ;  and  to  enter,  disincumbered  of  all  the 
burthens  of  mortality  ;  and  completely  delivered  and 
purified,  from  the  power  and  pollution  of  sin,  under 
which  we  now  groan,  into  the  full  and  everlasting  "joy 
of  our  Lord." 

Then  will  the  course  of  our  pilgrimage,  through  this 
vale  of  tears,  close  in  peace  ;  and  "  having  fought  the 
good  fight,  and  finished  the  work,''  which  our  Lord 
has  appointed  to  be  accomplished  by  us,  on  earth — and 
having  thus  approved  ourselves  "  faithful"  in  his  cause 
and  service,  "  imto  death,  we  shall  receive  the  crown 
of  immortal  life,  which  he  hath  promised,  and  which 
he  will  give  to  all  who  believe  in,  and  obey  him,  and 
who  love  his  appearing."  And  then,  in  his  heavenly 
kingdom,  "  washed  from  our  sins  in  his  blood,  who 
loved  us,  and  gave  himself  for  us  ;  and  advanced  us  to 
the  dignity  of  kings  and  priests  unto  God  and  his  fath- 
er," we  shall  mourn  no  more  for  the  awful  desolations 
of  death,  or  under  any  of  the  lamentable  effects  of  sin  ; 
but  shall  find  "  all  tears  wiped  away  from  our  eyes," 
by  the  kind  hand  of  our  gracious  God  and  Redeemer  ; 
and  "  beholding  his  face  in  righteousness,  and  satisfied 
with  his  likeness,  we  shall  triumph  in  his  praise,  and  in 
that  fulness  of  joy  which  is  in  his  presence,''  through  all 
the  ages  of  a  blessed  eternity  ! 

"  Now  unto  the  King  eternal,  immortal,  invisible,  the 
only  wise  God  and  our  Saviour,  be  honor  and  glory, 
for  ever  and  «^ver  ''     A/vitn  ? 


A 

CHARGE,* 

DELIVERED    AT    THE    ORDINATION    OF    THE 

Rev.  JAMES  ADaMS, 

IN 

THE  INDEPENDENT,    OR  CONGREGATIONAL    CHURCH 


DORCHESTER. 

MAY  8th,  1799. 

REVEREND  AND  DEAR  BROTHER, 

You  are  now  invested  with  the  office  of  a  minister  of 
Christ.  In  a  soleran  manner  you  are  ordained  and  set 
apart  to  those  eminently  important  labours,  in  which 
persons  bearing  this  sacred  character  are  called  to  serve 
the  great  and  blessed  God  in  the  gospel  of  his  Son. 

The  services  upon  which  you  have  thus  entered,  and 
to  whichyouarenow,by  most  peculiar  obligations,  bound 
to  devote  your  talents  and  your  life,  are  in  their  nature 
the  most  honorable,  in  their  design  the  most  benevo- 
lent, and  in  their  consequences  the  most  interesting,  of 
all  the  employments,  in  which  you  could  possibly  be 
engaged  on  earth.  For  to  you  is  committed  that  di- 
vine ministry  of  reconciliation,  by  which  you  are  con- 
stituted an  ambassador  for  Christ,  for  the  purposes  of 
proclaiming   to    your    fellow-men   and    fellow-sinners, 

*  Published  with  Dr.  Mc  Calla's  Sermon,  delivered  on  the  occasion, 
at  the  time  of  its  delivery. 


104  A   CHARGE. 

"  that  God  is  in  Christ  reconciling  the  world  to  himseltj 
and  of  persuading  them  as  in  Christ's  stead,  to  be  rec- 
onciled to  God."  And  under  Christ  "  the  great  shep- 
herd and  bishop  of  souls,"  jou  are  commissioned  to  be 
a  pastor  in  his  church,  and  intrusted  with  the  care  of 
guiding  and  conducting  a  portion  of  his  fiock  in  the  way 
of  knowledge,  faith,  holiness  and  peace,  to  that  ever- 
lasting rest  which  remaineth  for  them  in  his  heavenly 
kingdom. 

Surely,  according  to  the  emphatical  observation  of 
the  Apostle  Paul ;  "  If  any  man  desire  the  office  of  a 
bishop  or  pastor,  he  desireth  a  good  work." 

The  various  duties  of  this  excellent  office,  and  the 
several  parts  of  this  eminently  good  work  have  been, 
vre  doubt  not,  the  subjects  of  your  own  frequent  seri- 
ous reflections,  attentive  studies,  and  earnest  prayers  ; 
in  the  view  and  hope  of  your  becoming  furnished  with 
those  human  qualifications,  and  that  divine  sufficiency, 
which  are  requisite  to  make  you  "  an  able  minister  of 
the  New  Testament,  not  of  the  letter  but  of  the  spirit." 
But  though  you  may  have  heretofore  well  known  and 
considered  all  that  shall  be  now  suggested  on  these  im- 
portant subjects  ;  yet  on  the  present  solemn  occasion, 
it  may  be  useful  in  the  way  of  a  special  charge,  (the 
delivering  of  which  has  been  devolved  upon  me)  to  re- 
call to  your  remembrance^  some  of  those  things  which 
must  be  the  objects  of  primary  attention  with  you,  if 
you  would,  through  grace,  approve  yourself  a  good  and 
faithful  servant  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  sacred 
ministerial  work  to  which  you  are  now  ordained. 

Whoever  would  raise  a  firm  and  durable  structure, 
must  be  careful  to  lay  a  solid  and  good  foundation. 
The  minister   who   would   rationally  hope  to   preach 


A.    CHARGE.  105 

€hrist  and  his  gospel  with  any  considerable  good  effect 
toothers,  must  have  been  himself  div  inelj  enlighlened 
and  led  to  know  and  receive  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as 
his  own  Saviour  ;  and  must  have  found  the  gospel,  ac- 
companied with  the  agency  of  the  Spirit  of  grace,  made 
"  the  power  of  God  to  his  own  salvation."  Connected 
with  this  experimental,  saving  knowledge  of  the  Re- 
deemer, and  of  the  truth  and  grace  of  his  gospel,  strong 
intellectual  powers,  cultivated  by  a  liberal  education, 
are  certainly  of  great  importance  to  a  christian  minister ; 
and  through  a  sanctifying  blessing,  may  be  eminently 
subservient  to  his  reputation  and  usefulness.  But  des- 
titute of  this  experience,  which  is  essential  to  the  be- 
ing of  a  christian,  no  natural  abilities,  nor  acquired  ac- 
complishments, however  valuable  and  ornamental  iii 
themselves,  can  warrant  his  taking;  the  ministerial  ofl3ce 
upon  him,  or  authorize  him  to  hope  for  acceptance  with 
God,  or  much  success  in  the  labours  of  it,  among  his 
fellow-men. 

Allow  me,  however,  to  remind  you,  that  whatever  be 
the  degree  of  this  experience  to  which  j'ou  have  al- 
ready attained  ;  still  as  a  christian  consulting  your  own 
establishment  and  comfort,  and  especially  as  a  minister 
of  Christ,  called  to  be  a  stated  teacher  and  helper  of 
others,  in  the  concerns  of  their  salvation,  it  becomes 
you  to  be  careful,  that  you  may  "  grow  in  grace,  and 
in  the  knowledge  of  your  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ."  In  thi?i  way  you  will  find  your  calling  and 
election  made  more  comfortably  sure  to  your  own  soul; 
and  with  your  increasing  knowledge  of  Christ,  and  ex- 
perience of  his  grace,  you  will  feel  the  love  of  Christ 
constraining  you  with  a  more  tender  compassion,  affec- 
tionate desire,  and  fervent  zeal,  to  labour  that  you  may 
14 


106 


A    CHARGE. 


bring  others  (o  a  saving  acquaintance  with  him,  and  f© 
a  more  clear,  comfortable,  and  practical  understanding 
of  that  well-ordered,  bure,  and  everlasting  covenant  of 
which  he  is  the  blessed  Mediator,  and  which,  in  all  its 
rich  and  glorious  provisions,  and  great  and  precious 
promises,  is  fitted  to  be  all  the  salvation  and  all  the  de- 
sire of  those  who  are  included  in  it. 

But  as  I  address  jou  at  present,  chiefly  under  your 
public  character,  as  a  minister  of  Christ,  I  take  leave, 
in  this  view,  now  to  exhort  you  in  the  words  of  the 
Apostle  Paul,  in  his  solemn  charge  to  the  pastors  of  the 
church  of  Ephesus  ;  "  take  heed  to  yourself,  and  to  all 
the  flock  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you 
overseer,  or  bishop,"  (a  name,  or  title,  expressive  of  the 
oflSce  of  every  pastor  of  the  church)  "  to  feed  the 
church  of  God,  which  he  hath  purchased  with  his  own 
blood," 

In  allusion  to  the  special  or  principal  business  of  a 
common  shepherd,  which  is  to  feed  the  flock  commit" 
led  into  bis  hands,  you  are  here  reminded,  that  your 
great  care  as  a  spiritual  shepherd,  or  pastor,  must  be  to 
feed  the  flock  of  Christ,  with  the  charge  of  which  you 
are  intrusted.  And  you  are  to  remember,  that  the  dis- 
charge of  this  trust  eminently  consists  in  a  judicious 
and  fiifhful  preaching  of  the  word  of  God,  which  is  the 
proper  food  of  souls,  the  great  instrumental  means  of 
their  spiritual  life,  and  growth  in  knowledge,  grace,  ho- 
liness, usefulness,  and  meetness  for  the  inheritance  of 
the  saints  in  light.  The  word  of  God,  therefore,  you 
must  be  careful  to  dispense  in  such  a  manner,  that  you 
may  give  a  suitable  portion  of  this  spiritual  meat,  to 
every  one  in  due  season  ;  and  that  you  may  be  able  to 
say,  with  a  good  conscience,  (hat  "  you  have  not"  in- 


A    CHARGE.  107 

tentionally  "  shunned  to  declare  to  your  hearers,  the 
whole  counsel  of  God,  and  have  kept  back  nothing  that 
might  be  profitable  to  theni.''  Considering,  that  as  a 
minister  of  the  gospel,  "  a  dispensation  of  (he  word  is 
committed  to  jou,"  "  take  heed  to  the  doctrine"  which 
you  preach,  that  it  be  "  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,"  and 
that  «  the  word  of  truth  be  rightly  divided,"  and  dis- 
tinctly, prudently,  and  faithfully  applied  to  the  various 
cases  of  the  different  classes  of  your  hearers. 

There  is  no  truth  in  divine  revelation  that  requires 
the  obedience  of  the  heart,  or  respects  the  regulation 
of  the  life,  which  may  not  be  preached  in  its  season, 
with  propriety  and  advantage.  In  the  course  of  your 
ministry,  it  may  be  profitable  to  your  hearers,  not  only 
to  illustrate  and  enforce  the  eminently  great  and  weighty 
matters  of  the  law  and  the  gospel,  which  more  immedi- 
ately affect  the  sahation  of  the  soul  ;  but  to  explain 
and  recommend  whatever  is  decent  and  beautiful,  love- 
ly and  praiseworthy,  ornamental  and  attractive,  in  tem- 
per, conversation  and  conduct.  But  the  fundamental 
truths  of  the  gospel,  and  the  essential  leading  duties  of 
sobriety,  righteousness  and  godliness,  must  be  ever  the 
principal  subjects  of  your  discourses ;  the  subjects 
which  you  evidently  keep  mainly  in  view,  and  on  which 
you  moht  frequently  and  copiously  dwell. 

The  doctrines  which  teach,  the  subsistence  of  three 
co-equal  persons  in  the  one  adorable  Godhead  ;  the 
creation  of  man  in  the  moral  image  of  his  Maker  ;  the 
universal  corruption  of  human  nature,  by  the  transgres- 
sion and  fall  of  our  first  parents,  and  the  subjection  of 
the  whole  human  race,  according  to  the  righteous  sen- 
tence of  the  divine  law,  to  death,  spiritual,  temporal 
and  eternal,  because  all  have  sinned  and  come  short  of 


108  A    CHARGE. 

the  glory  of  God  ;  the  election  of  a  certain  number  of 
mankind,  according  lo  I  he  sovereign,  free  and  everlast- 
ing love  and  mercy  of  God,  lo  salvation  and  eternal  life 
in  Christ  the  Redeemer  and  head  of  the  church  ;  the 
union  of  the  divine  and  human  natures  in  the  person  of 
Jesus  Christ  ;  the  satisfactory  atonement  made  by  his 
death,  to  the  law  and  justice  of  God  for  human  guilt, 
the  forgiveness  of  sin.s,  and  the  justification  of  sin- 
ners with  God,  solely  through  the  merits  of  his  precious 
blood,  and  perfect  righteousness  ;  the  necessity  of  the 
agency  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  to  work  in  the  soul,  an  un- 
feigned saving  faith  in  Christ  the  Redeemer,  and  lo  pro- 
duce in  our  fallen  depraved  nature,  that  great  moral 
change,  which  is  railed  regeneration  and  a  new  creation, 
and  wit^-out  which  none  can  enter  in^o,  or  see  the  king- 
dom of  God  ;  the  certain  perseverance  and  assured 
preservation  of  all  who  truly  believe  in  Christ,  and  are 
born  of  the  Spirit,  in  the  course  of  an  acceptable  obe- 
dience to  the  gospel,  by  the  power  of  God,  through 
faith,  to  that  full  and  everlasting  salvation  which  is 
ready  to  be  revealed  at  the  last  day  ;  and  the  resurrec- 
tion of  the  bodies  of  all  the  dead,  at  the  end  of  the  world, 
preparatory  to  the  solemnities  of  the  great  day  of  judg- 
ment, when  the  whole  race  of  mankind  shall  appear  before 
the  judgment  seat  of  Christ,  that  every  one  may  give  an 
account  of  him^ielf  to  God,  and  receive  according  to 
what  he  has  done,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad  ;  that  in 
soul  and  body  the  wicked,  who  have  not  known  God,  nor 
obeyed  the  iiospel  of  Jesus  Christ,  may  be  punished 
with  an  everlasting  destruction  from  the  presence  of 
the  Lord  and  the  glory  of  his  power;  and  that  the 
righteous  who,  being  justified  by  faith  in  Christ,  have 
been  restored  to  peace   with  God,  and  followed  after 


A    CHARGE.  109 

that  holiness  without  which  none  can  see  the  Lord,  may- 
be received  with  the  honiirs  of  a  public  tiiumph  to  the 
inheritance  of  immortal  life,  and  unfading  glory,  in  the 
presence  and  enjoycitent  of  God,  reserved  for  them  in 
heaven.  These  are  the  truths  which  lie  at  the  founda- 
tion of  Christianity,  and  form  the  dislinguishing  glory  of 
the  gospel.  And  it  is  the  faithful  preaching  of  these 
truths,  upon  which  the  gracious  Head  of  the  church, 
has  promis'ed  to  command  his  blessing,  and  which  he 
makes  effectual,  by  the  co-operation  of  his  Spirit,  to  the 
conviction  and  conversion  of  sinners,  and  the  edification 
and  consolation  of  believers.  These  therefore  you 
must  study  to  exhibit  in  their  proper  importance,  con- 
nexion and  consequences,  and  to  represent  in  the  clear- 
est light  and  the  most  forcible  manner,  within  your 
power,  if  you  would  hope  for  any  measure  of  desirable 
success  in  your  ministry. 

As  a  preacher  of  the  gospel,  it  must,  in  a  word,  be 
your  aim  and  determination,  "  to  know  nothing:  among 
your  hearers,  save  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified." 
All  your  reading  and  studies,  and  your  intercourse 
among  those  with  whom  you  associate  and  converse, 
should  be  so  managed  as  to  be  made  subservient  to  the 
great  design  of  qualifying  and  engaging  you  to  preach 
more  instructively  and  persuasively,  a  crucified  Re- 
deemer. 

The  advantages  which  you  derive  from  a  liberal  ed- 
ucation ;  from  a  command  of  vahiable  books,  the  works 
of  the  learned,  the  ingenious,  and  the  pious  ;  from  the 
society  of  those  whose  minds  and  manners  are  highly 
cultivated  and  improved,  and  from  your  acquaintance 
with  the  circumstances  of  such  as  remain  in  a  state  of 
comparative  ignorance  and  rudeness,  will  be  then  onlj 


lid  A    CHARGII* 

consecrated  to  their  proper  use,  when  they  are  employ- 
ed to  the  purposes  of  preparing  and  leading  you  to  rec- 
oiutnend  more  effectually,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as 
the  only  hope  and  all-sufficient  Saviour  of  sinners,  and 
to  display  more  fully  and  forcibly,  his  glory  and  his 
grace,  and  the  necessity,  importance  and  use  of  all  his 
mediatorial  offices  and  works  :  In  order  to  convince 
sinners  of  their  need  of  an  interest  in  him,  to  encourage 
awakened  souls  to  apply  to  him,  and  to  trust  in  him, 
and  to  establish  and  build  up  believers  in  their  most  ho- 
ly faith,  io  animate  their  diligence  and  zeal  in  the  dis- 
charge of  their  duty,  and  to  increase  their  peace  and 
joy  in  the  hope  and  prospect  of  their  being  in  due  time 
received  to  himself,  that  they  may  be  forever  with  him, 
beholding  and  enjoying  his  glory. 

Thus  you  are  to  preach  the  word,  and  Christ  in  it, 
in  season  and  out  of  season  ;  in  the  stated  times  for  the 
exercise  of  your  ministry,  and  on  particular  occasions, 
\i^h-;never  and  wherever  the  providence  of  God  may 
call  you  to  improve  them,  for  that  purpose.  And  thus 
you  are  to  preach,  not  only  in  the  pulpit,  or  in  public ; 
but  from  house  to  house,  embracing  the  occasion  of  or- 
dinary visits,  and  every  fair  opportunity,  for  introduc- 
ing the  truths  of  the  gospel,  and  the  concerns  of  religion, 
as  the  subjects  of  your  familiar  conversation. 

In  this  way  you  will  find  some  advantages  beyond 
"what  the  pulpit  ordinarily  affords,  for  speaking  of  the 
things  which  belong  to  the  peace,  and  concern  the  sal- 
vation of  the  soul,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  gain  the  atten- 
tion, and  impress  the  hearts  of  the  individuals  w^ith 
whom  you  converse  ;  and  especially  of  children  and 
young  persons,  the  afflicted,  the  awakened,  the  doubt- 
ing, the  tempted,  and  the  mourners  in  Zion.     In  this 


A    CHARGEf.  Ill 

way  also  you  will  encourage  such  to  come  more  readily 
to  you,  and  communicate  to  you  with  greater  freedom 
and  conQdence,  their  difficulties  and  discouragements, 
their  comforts  and  hopes,  or  the  views  and  exercises  of 
their  souls,  whatever  they  may  be.  And  thus,  while 
you  share  with  them  the  peculiarly  refined  and  exalted 
satisfactions,  which  are  experienced  by  those  who  take 
sweet  counsel  together,  on  the  most  interesting  sub- 
jects, the  subjects  which  concern  the  everlasting  wel- 
fare of  the  soul  ;  you  may  at  the  same  time  acquire  such 
a  particular  knowledge  of  the  state  and  circumstances 
of  your  flock,  as  will  furnish  you  with  many  useful  ma- 
terials for  your  public  discourses,  by  which  they  may 
be  more  abundantly  enriched,  with  suitable  and  season- 
able instruction,  admonition,  encouragement  and  conso- 
lation. 

It  is  also  in  your  intercourse  with  others  that  yoii 
may  advantageously  exhibit  a  good  example  of  the  sal«» 
utary  and  happy  influence  of  the  gospel  which  you 
preach.  And  while  you  «*  give  attendance  to  reading, 
meditation  and  study,  to  doctrine,  exhortation,'*  and 
every  part  of  your  ministry,  remember  your  obligations 
"  to  be  an  example,'*  which  believers  may  safely  follow^ 
"  in  word,  in  conversation,  in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faithj 
in  purity  of  manners,  and  holiness  of  life."  A  conduct 
remarkably  inconsistent  with,  and  contradictory  to  the 
principles  and  rules  of,  the  gospel,  in  a  preacher  of  it, 
will  scarcely  fail  to  prejudice  many  against  the  truth, 
and  confirm  and  harden  them  in  iniquity,  and  to  render 
his  best  preaching  in  a  great  measure  ineflfecfual  to  all : 
while  the  proper  fruits  of  the  sound  doctrine  which  he 
teaches,  manifested  in  his  own  life  and  conversation, 
will  have  a  most  favourable  tendency  to  recommend  his 


112  A    CHARGE. 

insfrucfions  and  exhorlations,  to  the  atfenfion,  appro- 
bation, and  observance  of  his  hearers.  Let  the  consid- 
eration of  these  thin2;s  then,  be  ever  present  to  jour 
mind,  and  have  a  determining  weight  with  you,  to  en- 
gage you  to  exemplify,  in  the  dispositions  and  virtues, 
which  form  and  adorn  the  christian  character,  the  holy 
gospel  which  you  preach  :  so  that  by  the  forcible  influ- 
ence of  instruction  and  example  united,  you  may  be 
the  more  successful  in  your  en-deavours  to  enlighten 
and  lead  others,  in  the  way  of  righteousness  and  salva- 
tion. 

But  remembering,  that  unless  the  Lord  work  with  you 
and  by  you,  all  that  you  can  say  or  do,  will  be  wholly 
ineffectual  to  the  purpose  of  savins^  those  who  hear 
you,  cease  not  to  seek  the  assistance  and  blessing  of 
God,  by  humble  and  earnest  prayer.  By  this,  in  a 
particular  manner,  you  are  to  keep  up  a  lively  commu- 
nion between  God  and  your  own  soul  ;  and  by  this  you 
are  to  ask,  that  you  may  receive  of  the  great  Father  of 
lights,  the  Author  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  an  in- 
crease of  light  and  grace,  of  knowledge  and  wisdom,  of 
resolution  and  strength,  for  your  private  studies,  your 
public  ministrations,  and  all  your  chrisiian  and  ministe- 
rial work,  and  that  co-operation  of  the  Spirit  of  grace 
with  all  your  labours,  which  alone  can  crown  them  with 
desirable  success.  Watch  therefore  unto  prayer,  and 
be  instant  in  this  peculiarly  important  and  pro6table 
devotional  exercise  ;  and  thus  commend  yourself,  your 
work,  your  people,  the  whole  church  of  Christ,  and 
your  fellow-men  throughout  the  whole  world,  to  the 
mercy  and  grace  of  God,  who  heareth  prayer  ;  and  be 
assured  that  while  he  inclines  and  prepares  vour  heart 
to  pray,  he  will  be  found  ready  to  hear,  and  to  do  for 


A    CHARGE.  113 

yt>u,  and  those  for  whom  you   praj,  exceeding  abun- 
dantly above  all  that  yoJi  can  ask  or  think. 

In'imately  connected  with,  and  subservient  to  the 
design  of  preaching  the  word,  is  the  maintenance  of 
that  discipline  which  the  great  Head  of  the  c^huich  has 
instituted  for  its  benefit  ;  for  the  preservation  of  its 
purity  and  order,  and  the  promotion  of  its  peace  and 
prosperity.  This  then  you  should  endeavour  to  exer- 
cise, with  the  concurrence  (if  the  church,  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  may  manifest  a  becoming  attention  and  solicitude, 
to  distinguish  between  the  precious  and  the  vile,  in  the 
admission  of  persons  to  sealing  ordinances  ;  and  in  pro- 
ceeding according  to  the  rule  of  the  gospel,  against 
such  members  of  the  church,  as  may  become  guilty  of 
gross  and  scandalous  offences,  tending  to  bring  a  re- 
proach upon  the  sacred  society  with  which  they  are 
-connected. 

If  this  spiritual  power  with  which  the  church  in  con- 
junction with  its  pastors  is  invested,  were  employed 
with  becoming  fidelity,  impartiality,  prudence  and  ten- 
clerness,  it  might  well  be  expected,  through  a  divine 
blessing,  to  be  productive  of  very  important  and  desir- 
able effects,  in  establishing  the  reputation,  and  advanc- 
ing the  interests  of  the  church. 

Allow  me  further  to  recommend  to  you  the  cultiva- 
tion and  expression  of  that  charitable  and  catholic  spir- 
it, which  is  most  consonant  to  the  genius  of  the  gospel, 
and  will  have  the  happiest  tendency  to  render  your 
siervices,  as  a  minister  of  the  word,  more  extensively 
acceptable  and  useful. 

To  such  a  spirit,  the  authors  and  advocates  of  modern 

systems  of  infidel  philosophy,  make  hhh  pretens;ions. 

But  their  boasted  liberality,  is  manifestly  nothing  better 
15 


114 


A    CHARGE. 


than  a  spirit  of  indifference  to  whatever  bears  the  name 
of  religion,  excepting  onlj  the  religion  of  the  Bible. 
As  this  is  the  only  system  which  can  claim  a  heavenly 
original,  and  is  sanctioned  with  the  stamp  of  divine  au- 
thority, while  it  is  framed  in  al!  its  principles,  to  give 
glory  to  God,  and  to  humble  the  pride  of  fallen  man,  and 
to  restrain  and  correct  those  vicious  propensities  of  our 
corrupt  nature,  which  the  disciples  of  infidelity  and  li- 
bertinism are  determined  to  cherish,  and  for  the  grati- 
fication of  which,  they  incessantly  plead  ;  their  charity 
utterly  fails  them,  in  their  treatment  of  this  religion, 
and  they  find  it  difficult,  if  they  at  all  attempt,  to  dis- 
guise the  spirit  of  determined  and  bitter  hostility 
against  it,  by  which  they  are  actuated.  Hence  it  re- 
sults, that  however  indulgent  they  may  be  to  the  er- 
rors, follies  and  vices,  of  all  who  are  strangers  to  divine 
revelation,  or  who  reject  the  religion  which  the  Scrip- 
tures teach  ;  yet,  in  the  impious  ridicule,  the  malicious 
scorn  and  reproaches,  and  the  various  illiberal  abuse^ 
by  which  they  attempt  to  expose  to  contempt  and  ha- 
tred, the  distinguishing  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  and  the 
character  or  principles  of  its  worthiest  and  best  pro- 
fessors and  <lefenders,  they  evidently  discover  a  per- 
verse, prejudiced,  overbearing,  revengeful,  persecuting 
temper  of  mind. 

It  must  indeed  be  acknowledged,  and  it  is  greatly  to 
be  lamented,  that  too  much  of  a  like  unworthy  temper^ 
lias  been  manifested  by  many  of  the  professors  of 
Christianity,  in  opposition  to  those,  whose  opinions  and 
practices,  have  in  some  particular  points  differed  from 
their  own.  This,  however,  when  it  does  not  proceed 
from  a  heart  destitute  of  a  saving  experience  of  the 
power  of  the  religion  which  they  profess,  and  wholly 


A  CHARGE.  11^ 

under  the  dominion  of  the  spirit  of  the  world,  must  be 
ascribed  to  the  deficiency  of  their  knowledge  of  its  prin- 
ciples, aiid  the  remaining;  strength   of  those   passions, 
which  belong  to  the  fallen,  depraved  nature  of  man,  and 
which  are  never  wholly  eradicated  from  the   breasts  of 
christians  in  the  present  state  of  imperfection.      Hence 
we  find  that  as  spiritual  light  and  sanctifying  grace  pre- 
vail in  the  heart,  and    as  christians  come  to   know  each 
other  better,  and  to  understand  more  fully  their  obli- 
gations **  to  dwell  together  in  unity  as  brethren,"  and  to 
endeavour  "  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of 
peace,"  they   manifest  more   and  more  of  the  genuine 
christian  temper.     This,  as  it  is  the   fruit  of  the   Spirit 
of  God  who  is  Love,   and  formed  on  the  principles  of 
the  gospel,  in  which  God  proclaims  through  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ,     peace  on  earth  and  good-will  towards 
men,  breaths  the  most   generous  charity  to  mankind  in 
general,  and  the  most  tender  and    fervent    brotherly 
kindness,   to   "  the    saints    and     faithful    brethren    in 
Christ."     It  prompts  christians  ardently  to  desire  that 
the  whole  world,  if  it  might  be  the   will  of  God,  should 
be  brought  to    the    knowledge   and   experience  of  the 
grace  and  love  of  God  in   Christ  Jesus;  and  it  rejoices 
particularly  in   promoting   the    spiritual   improvement, 
peace  and  prosperity,  and  the  temporal  and  eternal  wel- 
fare and  happiness  of  all   who  believe    in  him.     It  dis- 
tinguishes indeed  between  truth  and  error,  between  de- 
votion and  superstition,  between  pure  and  holy   zeal, 
and  wild  and  mischievous  enthusiasm  ;  and  it  is  dispos- 
ed to  "  contend  earnestly  for  the   faith  once   delivered 
to  the  saints,"   and  to   expose    the   falacious   arts   and 
wicked  efforts  of  those  who  would  destroy  the    founda- 
tion, or  mar  and  deface  the  symmetry   and  beauty  of 


116  A  CHARGE. 

tht  c'lristian  system.  But  where  it  perceives  the  fun- 
da.-  ti.ta)  articles  of  tjie  christian  faith  embraced,  and 
njainJaiiied  in  a  correspondent  conduct  (and  this  it  will 
dibcern  in  the  professors  of  the  gospel,  of  various  de- 
nofuinalions)  it  will  shew  a  kind  forbearance  towards 
such,  in  matters  v/herein  a  difference  of  opinions  maj 
be  <naintained  consistently  with  a  good  conscience,  and 
aq  (ipright  practice  ;  it  will  seek  comniunion  with  ihera 
in  every  way  in  which  it  can  be  conveniently,  com- 
fortably and  profiiably  enjoyed  ;  and  it  will  be  ready 
and  forward,  not  only  to  receive  from  thera,  but  to  ren- 
der to  lhe(n  every  otHce  of  christian  love  and  friend- 
ship. This  is  a  spirit  eminently  recommended  and  en- 
forced by  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  worthy  of  those 
who  bear  the  name  of  that  most  benevolent  and  gener- 
ous friend  and  Saviour  of  men  ;  and  it  should  shine  with 
a  superiour  lustre  in  his  ministers,  who  are  particularly 
called,  after  his  example,  "  to  shew  compassion  to  the 
ignorant,  and  to  them  that  are  out  of  the  way,"  to  bear 
with,  and  condescend  to  the  infirmities  of  the  weak, 
and  the  prejudices  of  misinformed  and  contracted 
minds,  and  to  love  all  that  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
in  sincerity,  and  in  love,  to  embrace  and  serve  all  who 
are  of  (he  household  of  faith,  by  whatever  name  they 
may  be  known  and  distinguished  in  the  world. 

In  this  view  of  your  work,  and  of  the  manner  in  which 
it  is  to  be  performed,  it  will  no  doubt  appear  to  you 
to  be  in  many  respects,  no  less  arduous  and  difficult, 
than  it  is  honorable  and  important. 

When  you  consider  how  solemn  and  weighty  is  the 
char2;e  of  immortal  souls  with  which  you  are  intrusted, 
"  and  the  necessity  which  is  laid  upon  you  to  preach 
the  gospel"  plainly,  fully,  and  faithfully  ;  and  yet  how 


^ 


A   CHARGE.  11?" 

difficult  a  task  it  will  often  be  found  to  adapt  your  dis- 
courses to  the  various  cases  of  your  hearers,  in  such  a 
manner  as  may  best  serve  to  warn  the  wicked,  to 
awaken  the  secure,  to  shake  the  false  hope  of  the  hy- 
pocrites, to  reclaim  and  restore  the  backsliding  chris- 
tian, to  establish  weak  believers,  to  point  out  the  way 
of  escape  to  the  tempted,  and  to  pour  the  oil  of  joy  into 
the  broken  and  disconsolate  hearts  of  the  mourners  in 
Z'lon:  vt-henyou  consider  also  the  various  opposition 
and  obstacles  which  may  be  expected  in  the  execution 
of  your  office,  from  the  great  adversary  of  the  chnrchj 
whose  kingdom  of  darkness  is  disturbed  and  endanger- 
ed by  every  well-designed  and  directed  effort,  to  res- 
cue from  his  power  *'  those  who  are  taken  in  his  snares," 
and  from  the  perverseness  and  obstinacy  of  fallen  men, 
who  naturally  love  darkness  rather  than  light,  and  are 
disposed  to  relinquish  the  treasures  and  the  joys  of 
heaven,  rather  than  abandon  the  pursuits,  the  gains, 
and  the  pleasures  of  sin ;  and  yet  how  inadequate  are 
your  wisdom,  courage,  and  abilities,  for  successTully 
meeting  and  encountering  the  difficulties  with  which 
you  have  to  contend  •  when  you  seriously  consider  in 
these  points  of  view,  the  nature  of  your  sacred  office  ; 
the  special  qualifications  which  it  demands,  and  the 
peculiar  trials  connected  with  it  ;  it  may  well  be  ex- 
pected that  you  will  feel  yourself  constrained  to  say 
with  the  Apostle  "  who  is  sufficient  for  these  things  ?'* 

The  consideration  of  these  things  is  indeed  well 
adapted  to  promote  that  humble  and  dependent  frame 
of  spirit,  which  is  one  of  the  most  ornamental  and  valua- 
ble qualifications,  in  the  highest  officers,  as  well  as  in  the 
lowest  subjects  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  But  if  you 
are  undertaking  the  work  before  you  on  properly  pure 


118  '  A  eHAROB. 

and  disinterested  principles,  with  an  upright  aim,  and 
sincere  desire  to  advance  the  interests  and  glory  of 
your  blessed  Lord  in  the  promotion  of  the  salvation  of 
thesoalsof  your  fellow-men,  for  which  he  laboured, 
suffered  and  died,  and  with  a  becoming  concern  to  shew 
yourself  in  all  respects,  an  approved  workman  that 
need  not  be  ashamed,  a  good  and  faithful  servant  that 
may  appear  with  confidence  and  joy  when  you  shall  be 
called  to  give  up  an  account  of  your  stewardship  to 
your  Lord  and  Master,  in  the  day  of  final  judgment ; 
you  are  then  so  far  from  having  reason  to  be  discour- 
aged, that  you  have  every  consideration  which  you 
could  well  desire,  to  animate  your  resolutions,  and  to 
engage  you  to  persevering  constancy  in  your  labours. 
You  have  the  special  promise  of  your  gracious  Lord, 
from  whom  you  have  received  your  commission,  "  that 
he  will  be  ever  with  you,'*  to  guide  and  assist  you,  **  to 
make  his  grace  sufficient  for  you,  and  his  strength  per^ 
feet  in  your  weakness,"  so  as  to  enable  you  acceptably 
to  perform  all  the  services  to  which  he  calls  you,  and 
sustain  all  the  trials  which  he  appoints  to  you.  You 
will  have  the  favouring  contenance  and  helping  prayers 
of  all  who  love  Zion  and  seek  her  good.  You  will 
bave  the  pleasing  enlivening  testimony  of  a  good  con- 
science, that  you  are  engaged  and  labouring  in  the 
cause  of  heaven,  for  the  advancement  of  the  greatest 
and  best,  even  the  spiritual  and  immortal  interests  of 
mankind.  You  will  probably  ha\e  the  high  satisfac- 
tion of  perceiving  the  gospel  which  you  preach,  though 
it  may  not  profit  all  your  hearers,  in  consequence  of 
the  inattention  and  unbelief  of  some,  yet  made  the  pow« 
er  of  God  to  the  salvation  of  a  precious  number  of  them, 
through  their  faith  in  its  doctrines  and  in  the  Saviour 


A  CHARGE.  119 

whom  it  reveals  and  offers ;  with  respect  to  whom  you 
may  greatly  "  rejoice  in  the  reflection  that  you  have 
not  laboured  with  them  in  vain,"  and  in  the  prospect^ 
the  cheering,  transportins^  prospect  of  meeting  them  as 
"your  joy  and  the  crown  of  your  rejoicing  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  at  his  coming."  And 
having  through  grace  approved  yourself  a  faithful  pas- 
tor in  the  charge  of  the  flock  committed  to  your  care, 
*'  when  the  chief  Shepherd  shall  appear,  you  will  re- 
ceive a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not  away." 

Wherefore,  my  beloved  brother,  think  of  these  things  ; 
^'  and  be  thou  stedfast,  immovable,  and  always  abound- 
ing in  the  work  and  service  of  the  Lord,"  to  which  you 
are  called  as  a  christian  and  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel, 
"  forasmuch  as  yon  know  that  your  labour  is  not  in 
Tain  in  the  Lord,"  but  is  in  its  nature  desisrned  and 
adapted  to  be  eminently  useful  to  others,  and  comforta- 
ble to  yourself,  and  if  faithfully  performed,  shall  be 
recompensed,  through  the  riches  of  divine  grace,  with 
distinguished  honors  and  joys,  inconceivably  great  and 
ever  growing,  in  the  heavenly  and  everlasting  kingdom 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

To  you,  the  people  of  this  congregation  T  now  turn 
my  address  in  the  hope  that  a  few  observations  relative  to 
your  situation  and  your  duty,  will  be  heard  with  atten- 
tion and  candor,  and  with  some  good  effect,  on  this  sol- 
emn and  tender  occasion,  in  which  you  are  so  deeply 
interested. 

How  desirable  and  pleasina:,  my  dear  brethren,  are 
your  present  circumstances  and  prospects,  compared 
with  what  they  were  at  a  period  not  long  past  ? 

From  a  state  of  long  continued  and  almost  hopeless 
desolation,  this  house  of  your  holy  solemnities  has  bee« 


120  A  CHARGE. 

rebuilt  and  prepared  for  your  comfortable  accommo- 
dation in  aftendinj^  upon  the  public  worship  of  God. 
From  a  very  ]ow  and  destitnfe  condition,  in  which  you 
were  few  in  number,  and  "scattered  as  sheep  without 
a  shepherd,"  yon  have  risen  and  grown  into  a  respect- 
able orsanized  religious  society,  with  an  encouraging 
prospect  of  receiving  farther  additions  to  your  commu- 
nity, and  to  your  means  for  maintaining  and  perpetuat- 
ing the  blessings  of  the  gospel  ministry  among  you. 
After  persevering  for  several  year?,  in  your  laudable 
endeavours,  notwithstanding  some  discouraging  disap- 
pointments, to  secure  to  yourselves  these  inestimable 
1>lessings,  you  are  now  at  len^cth  happily  united  in  the 
choice  of  a  pastor,  who  has  been  this  day  solemnly  or- 
dained to  the  ministry  of  the  goepel,  with  a  view  to  his 
exercising  it  amons:  you,  and  whose  hisfhest  ambition 
and  ioy,  we  trust,  will  be  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  the 
service  of  h's  Ijord,  for  the  salvation  of  your  soids.  In 
these  respects  surely  toii  have  been  highly  favoured 
**  throu2;h  the  good  hand  of  your  God  upon  you." 

The  providence  of  God  which  effected  this  happy 
change  in  your  situation,  ha«  bpen  in  some  respects  as 
remarkably  striking,  as  it  has  been  to  vou  peculiarly 
gracious  and  merciful.  **  The  Lord  hath  indeed  done 
great  thinsrs  for  vou,  whereof  you  are  sjlar',"  and  on  ac- 
count of  which  all  the  friends  of  Zion,  who  have  been 
acquainted  wifh  your  affairs,  and  who  lately  sympathiz- 
ed with  you  in  vonr  destitute  cirrumstances,  now  re- 
joice with  yoii,  and  cheerfully  unite  their  irreatfnl  ac- 
knowledgements with  yours  to  the  God  of  vmir  mer- 
cies, who  has  rnopt  kindly  restored  to  you  the  enjoy- 
ment of  those  precious  gospel  j^rivllccres  of  which  you 
were  so  long  deprived.     "  Not  unto  yourselves,  not 


A    CHARGE.  1^1 

Utito  yourselves,  but  unto  the  Lord,  let  all  the  praise 
and  glory  be  given  for  his  mercy  and  his  truth's  sake*'*. 
For  it  was  He  who  put  it  into  your  hearts  to  undertake 
what  you  have  thus  done  for  the  honor  of  his  nasne, 
the  advancement  of  his  cause,  and  Ihe  promotion  of 
your  own  best  and  everlasting  interests.  It  is  He,  who 
has  supported  you  under  all  the  discouraging  circum- 
stances and  appearances  which  you  had  to  encounter, 
who  has  furnished  you  with  much  unexpected  assist- 
ance in  the  good  work  in  which  you  encaged,  and  has 
answered  your  prayers  and  succeeded  your  efforts, 
probably  beyond  the  utmost  extent  of  your  first  hopes. 

Thus  highly  favoured  with  those  stated  gospel  min- 
istrations and  ordinances  which  you  so  long  wanted, 
and  so  much  desired,  let  your  gratitude,  to  the  gracious 
Author  of  them,  be  now  manifested  in  your  care  to  im- 
prove them  with  fidelity,  and  in  your  prayers  that  they 
may  be  divinely  and  abundantly  blessed  to  you  ! 

As  your  pastor  is  under  the  most  solemn  and  sacred  en- 
gagements to  devote  his  time  and  his  talents  to  the  ser- 
vice of  your  souls  ;  so  we  are  persuaded,  from  the  liberal 
things  which  you  have  already  devised  and  done,  that 
you  will  remember  and  feel  the  obligations  which  the 
gospel  lays  upon  you,  to  make  such  provision,  accord- 
ing to  the  means  in  your  power,  for  his  temporal  wants 
and  comfort,  as  will  give  him  the  command  of  his  time, 
and  leave  him  at  liberty  for  "  serving  the  Lord  without 
distraction,"  in  his  studies  and  his  labours,  to  promote 
your  everlasting  salvation. 

Is  it  his  indispensable  duty  "  to  take  heed  to  the  min- 
istry which  he  has  received  in  the  Lord,   that  he   may 
fulfil  it?"      Surely    then  you  are  no  less   bound  to  at- 
tend his  ministrations  with  as  much  regularity  and  con- 
16 


122  A  CHARGE. 

sfaiicy  as  may  be  within  your  power,  and  to  concur  with 
and  aid  him  in  all  proper  measures  for  maintaining 
that  church  order  which  constitutes  an  eminent  part  of 
the  strength,  the  beauty  and  the  honor  of  every  christian 
society.  While  he  is  allowed  the  satisfaction  of  wit- 
nessing such  a  worthy  and  honorable  conduct  in  you  ; 
how  greatly  will  his  heart  be  encouraged,  and  bis  hands 
strengthened  in  every  part  of  this  arduous  work  ! 
Whetherindeedyouwillattentively  hear  the  word  of  God 
at  his  mouth  or  not,  whether  you  will  reverence  or  dis- 
regard the  institutions  of  the  gospel  ;  he  must  endeavour 
to  deliver  his  own  soul,  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  the 
duties  of"  a  watchman  to  you,  in  teaching,  exhorting, 
warning,  reproving,  and  rebuking  with  all  authority" 
and  impartiality,  as  well  as  with  all  gentleness  and  long 
suffering  ;  so  that  if  the  wicked  and  disobedient  will  not 
be  adojonished,  and  engaged  to  turn  from  their  wicked- 
ness and  wicked  ways,  and  seek  and  secure  the  life  and 
salvation  of  their  souls,  but  persist  in  their  iniquities, 
<*  and  die  in  their  sins,  their  blood  may  not  be  required 
at  his  hands,  but  remain  upon  their  own  heads."  But 
with  what  grief  and  heaviness  of  heart  must  your  pas- 
tor think  of  bis  Lord  and  Master  being  thus  despised, 
through  such  a  neglect  of  his  word  and  ordinances  ! 
And  how  greatly  will  the  burden  of  his  labours  be  aug- 
mented by  the  prospect  of  their  proving  thus  fruitless 
to  such  of  you  as  he  shall  not  be  instrumental  in  saving 
by  them,  and  serving  only  on  the  other  hand  to  aggra- 
vate your  guilt,  and  to  increase  the  terrors  of  your  final 
condemnation,  and  the  anguish  of  your  everlasting  mis- 
ery !  Would  you  not  be  chargeable  with  a  conduct  so 
unkind,  so  criminal,  and  so  ruinous  ;  would  you  wish  to 
afford  your  pastor,  the  greatest  comfort  which  he  can 


A  CHARGE.  123 

find  in  you  ;  and  would  you  manifest  that  you  really 
love  your  own  souls?  Be  admonished  and  enlreated  then, 
to  hear  the  gospel  which  he  is  appointed  to  preach  to 
you,  and  "  to  obey  hiiU,  and  to  submit  yourselves,"  in 
respect  to  the  ministerial  authority  with  which  he  is  in- 
vested to  rule  over  you  in  spirilual  things  ;  ^'  remem- 
bering that  he  watches  for  your  souls  as  one  that  must 
give  an  account,  that  he  may  do  it  with  joy  and  not 
with  grief;  for  that  would  be  unprofitable  for  you." 

Is  he  concerned  "  to  take  heed  to  himself  as  well  as 
to  his  doctrine/*  that  he  may  approve  himself  a  wor- 
thy example  to  the  flock,  of  the  faith,  piety,  and  virtue 
■which  he  preaches  ?  And  does  it  not  equally  become 
you  to  endeavour  ''  to  be  followers  of  him,  so  far  as  he 
shall  be  a  follower  of  Christ  ?"  But  you  are  also  to  re- 
member, that  the  most  upright  and  faithful  ministers  of 
Christ,  "  are  men  of  like  passions  with  other  men,"  and 
subject  to  iniirmities  similar  to  those  with  which  the 
other  followers  of  Christ,  even  the  worthiest  and  the 
best,  are  encompassed  ;  while  they  are  exposed  to 
some  temptations  and  trials,  peculiar  to  the  office  which 
they  bear,  and  the  work  in  which  they  are  employed. 
Hence  they  are  taught  humility  and  watchfulness,  their 
equal  dependence  with  the  weakest  members  of  the 
household  of  faith,  on  the  blood  and  righteousness  and 
grace  of  the  Redeemer,  for  the  pardon  of  their  daily 
failings  and  offences,  their  acceptance  in  every  duty, 
and  their  sufficiency  for  all  their  work  and  warfare  ;  and 
hence  they  learn  to  cherish  a  tender  sympathy  with 
their  christian  brethren,  and  acquire,  with  a  more  ready 
disposition,  the  wisdom  and  experience  which  are  requi- 
site, for  strengthening  and  comforting  them  in  all  their 


124  A    CHARGE. 

conflicts  and  temptations,  and  various  discouragements 
and  sorrows.  Do  not  then  look  for  perfection  in  the 
character  of  jour  spiritual  teacher  and  guide  ;  and 
when  you  may  perceive  in  him  the  common  fraiUies  of 
human  nature,  which  in  the  best  on  earfh  is  onlj  renew- 
ed and  sanctified  in  part,  suffer  them  not  to  alienate 
your  affections  from  him,  or  to  operate  to  the  prejudice 
of  his  usefulness  among  you.  Over  such  imperfections 
as  you  will  have  reason  to  believe  are  disallowed  and 
lamented  by  himself,  more  than  by  any  one  else  who 
may  observe  them,  kindly  spread  the  mantle  of  chari- 
ly ;  and  at  the  same  time,  sfudj^  to  *'  do  those  things 
which  you  may  learn  and  receive,  and  hear  and  see  in 
him  agreeably  to  the  mind  and  gospel  of  Christ  ;"  who 
is  the  great  and  only  perfect  pattern  of  ail  that  is  wise 
find  holy,  good  and  lovely,  ♦'  and  who  has  left  us  his  un- 
erring example,  that  we  should  follow  his  steps." 

Is  it  also  an  eminent  part  of  your  ministers  duty,  to 
pray  for  you?  And  shall  you  not  feel  yourselves  equal- 
ly bound  to  pray  for  him  ?  The  Apostles  themselves, 
with  all  the  eminent  gifts  and  graces  by  which  they 
were  distinguished,  felt  their  need,  and  often  solicited 
the  assistance  of  the  prayers  of  the  churches  ;  that 
ihey  might  find  grace  to  be  faithful  and  successful,  in 
their  arduous  work,  and  to  be  constant  and  victorious, 
in  all  their  peculiar  trials  and  temptations.  "  Brethren 
pray  for  us,"  is  a  request  frequently  repeated  by  the 
Apostle  Paul,  in  the  name  of  himself  and  of  his  fellow- 
labourers  in  the  gospel  ministry  :  And  long  observation 
anti  experience,  have  originated  and  sanctioned  the 
maxim,  that  **  a  praying  people  make  a  preaching  min- 
ister." The  prayers  of  their  people  accordingly,  all 
faithful    ministers  highly  value  and  earnestly  desire  ; 


A    CHARGE.  123 

persuaded  that  in  answer  to  these,  the  Lord  delights 
to  direct  and  assist,  to  own  and  to  bless  their  labours, 
the  success  of  which  lies  near  their  hearts,  and  forms 
an  eminent  part  of  their  happiness.  Thus  to  pray  for 
your  minister  then,  is  a  debt  of  love  which  you  owe  to 
him,  who  has  engaged  himself  in  the  various  arduous 
labours  of  his  office,  to  seek  and  promote  your  everlast- 
ing interests  :  And  in  thus  praying  for  him,  you  will 
best  shew  your  love  to  your  own  souls;  as  by  your 
prayers  for  him,  you  improve  the  mean  particularly  en- 
joined and  recommended  in  the  word  of  God,  and  hon- 
ored by  his  blessing,  for  obtaining  that  co-operation  of 
the  Spirit  of  grace,  to  attend  the  ministrations  of  the 
gospel,  wifhont  which  "  Paul  would  plant,  and  Apollos 
water"  in  vain ;  but  with  which  the  gospel,  by  whatever 
instrumentality  it  is  dispensed,  may  be  expected  to 
yield  its  proper  increase,  and  to  bring  forth  in  those  to 
whom  it  is  preached,  the  desirable  fruits  of  faith  and 
repentance,  conversion  and  salvation.  Wherefore 
pray  continually  and  fervently  for  your  minister  ;  re- 
membering that  in  so  doing,  you  most  effectually  help 
him  in  his  work,  and  secure  that  divine  blessing  upon 
his  ministry,  which  wiU  make  the  gospel  preached  by 
him,  "  the  power  of  God  to  your  salvation,''  and  instm- 
men<al  in  building  you  up  in  the  christian  life,  and  pro- 
moting your  preparation  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints 
in  light.  It  becomes  you  indeed  **  to  pray  always,  with 
all  prayer  and  supplication  of  the  Spirit,  for  all  men, 
and  more  especially  for  all  saints  ;  and  above  all  for 
the  ministers  of  the  word  of  God,  that  they  may  open 
their  mouths  boldly,  to  make  known  the  mystery  of  the 
gospel,  that  they  may  speak  wisely  and  faithful- 
ly as  they  ought  to  speak  ;  and  that  the  word  of  the 


126  A    CHARGE. 

Lord  may  have  free  course  and  be  glorified'^  in  the 
conversion  of  sinners,  and  the  edification  of  believers,  in 
every  region  of  the  earth,  and  among  all  the  nalions  and 
tribes  of  mankind*  But  you  are  in  a  very  particular 
manner  concerned  to  pray,  and  accordingly,  your  fer- 
vent petitions  should  constantly  be  offered  up  to  the 
God  of  all  grace,  that  he  may  be  pleased  "to  dwell  in 
this  house  as  one  of  his  chosen  habitations  anti  places  of 
rest  ;"  that  be  may  abundantly  bless  the  provisions  of 
his  grace,  with  which  you  shall  here  be  favoured,  and 
satisfy  his  poor  among  you  with  the  bread  of  life,  and 
that  he  may  clothe  your  minister  with  righteousness 
and  salvation,"  so  that  through  his  instrumentality, 
"  such  may  be  added  to  the  church  as  shall  be  saved," 
and  the  Lord's  people  made  to  triumph  with  great  joy 
in  the  praises  of  their  Saviour  and  their  God. 

Li  these,  and  in  all  other  instances,  let  it  be  your 
study  and  care,  that  you  may  understand  what  the 
Lord  requires  of  you  as  a  people  so  highly  favoured 
with  those  gopesl  privileges  which  you  now  enjoy ;  and 
that  through  the  grace  of  God,  you  may  so  comply  with 
your  obligations,  and  improve  your  advantages,  that 
you  may  obtain  the  approbation  and  acceptance  of  the 
great  and  gracious  Head  of  the  church  ;  and  be  the 
bope  and  comfort  of  your  pastor  on  earth,  and  meet  him 
with  joy  and  triumph  unspeakable  at  the  right  hand  of 
your  Redeemer  and  your  Judge  in  the  last  day,  even 
in  that  great  day,  "  when  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  shall 
be  revealed  from  heaven,  with  his  mighty  angels,  in 
flaming  fire,  taking  vengeance  on  them  that  know  not 
God,  and  that  obey  not  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  ;  who  shall  be  punished  with  an  everlasting  de- 
struction from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  the  glory 


A    CHARGE.  127 

of  his  power  ;  when  at  the  same  time  he  shall  come  to 
be  glorified  in  his  saints,  and  to  be  admired  in  all  them 
that  believe,  (because  the  testimony  of  the  gospel  was 
believed  by  them)  in  that  day." 

"  This  charge,  delivered,  as  before  God,  and  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  shall  judge  the  quick  and  the 
dead,  at  his  appearing  and  kingdom  ;"  I  now  conclude, 
with  an  earnest  recommendation  to  both  minister  and 
people,  that,  in  the  very  tender,  interesting  and  impor- 
tant relation,  in  which  you  are  connected,  you  will  re- 
spectively endeavour  to  pursue  that  course  of  conduct, 
which  may  be  most  conducive  to  your  mutual  benefit 
and  comfort,  "  studying  particularly  the  things  that 
make  for  peace,"  and  cultivating  that  union  of  hearts, 
and  that  harmony  of  views,  dispositions,  and  measures, 
which  will  be  among  the  best  means  for  securing  your 
stability,  growth,  and  prosperity.  Then  may  you  rest 
assured  "  that  the  God  of  love  and  peace,  will  be  with 
you  and  bless  you  and  keep  you,"  during  the  term  of 
service  and  discipline  allotted  to  you  in  the  church  on 
earth  ;  and  finally  admit  you  to  "  the  society  of  the 
spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect,  and  to  the  general  as- 
sembly and  church  of  the  first-born,  which  are  written 
in  heaven  ;"  where  all  the  Lord's  people  shall  appear 
in  the  dignity  and  lustre  becoming  those  "  whom  the 
Son  of  God  has  loved,  and  washed  from  their  sins  in  his 
blood,  and  made  kings  and  priests  to  his  God  and  his 
Father  ;"  and  where  "  they  who  have  been  wise  and 
faithful  in  their  designs  and  labours  to  win  souls  to 
Christ  and  salvation,  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of 
the  firmament,  and  they  who  have  been  successful  in 
turning  many  to  righteousness,  shall  shine  as  stars  of 
the  first  magnitude  and  splendour  for  ever  and  ever." 


12S  A    CHARGE. 

"  Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from 
the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  great  Shepherd  of 
the  sheep,  through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  cove- 
nant, make  you  perfect  in  every  good  work,  working  in 
you  that  which  is  well  pleasing  in  his  sight,  through 
Jesus  Christ."  "  And  unto  him  who  is  able  to  do  ex- 
ceedingly abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or  think, 
according  to  the  power  that  worketh  in  us,  and  who 
will  be  found  as  faithful  as  he  is  able  to  keep  his  ser- 
vants and  people  from  falling,  and  to  present  them 
faultless  before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with  exceed- 
ing joy  ;  to  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour  be  glory 
and  majesty,  dominion  and  power,  both  now  and  ever." 
Ameiit. 


.i^^ 
'j^^ 


ADDRESS, 


DELIVERED   AT  THE  ORPHANHQUSEj 


CHARLESTOIC, 
•CTOBER    18th,    1799 


ir 


j^ 


•  RPHAN-HOUSE,   OCT.  I8th,  1799. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  Commissioners  of  the  Orphan-House  feel  themselves  ohligated 
to  you,  for  the  very  elegant  and  well  adapted  discourse,  this  day  deliv- 
ered at  this  house,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Institution. 

That  thp  advantages  to  be  derived  from  it,  may  not  be  confined  to  those 
only,  who  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing   it,   but  be  more  generally  diffus- 
ed ;  I  am  directed  bj-  the  Board  of  Commissioners,  to  request  a  copy  of 
it>  with  your  permission  to  print  the  same. 
With  respect  and  esteem,  I  am  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  B.  HOLMES,  Chairman.  Com, 

'         REV.  DR.  KEITH. 

N.  B.  The  copy  of  this  Address  was  prepared  for  the  press  by  the 
Author;  but  now  appears  in  prlat  for  the  first  time.    Editor. 


ADDRESS. 


J-  HE  Institution,  whose  tenth  Anniversary  we  this 
day  celebrate,  is  certainly  well  entitled  to  all  the  atten- 
tion and  favour  with  which  it  has  been  hitherto  distin- 
guished. Dedicated  to  the  relief  of  one  of  tlie  most  in- 
teresting classes  of  the  children  of  adversity,  and  em- 
bracing the  objects  of  a  most  liberal  and  enlarged  poli- 
cy, as  well  as  philanthropy,  it  justly  claims  the  warm- 
est patronage  of  the  public,  and  must  unite  in  its  favour 
the  hearts  of  all  among  us,  who  are  disposed  **  to  weep 
with  them  that  weep  ;"  and  are  solicitous  to  turn  their 
days  of  sorrow  and  mourning,  into  days  of  peace  and 

joy- 
To  provide  an  hospitable  refuge  to  a  number  of  our 
young  fellow-mortals,  who  might  have  long  lived  desti- 
tute and  friendless,  or  have  fallen  wretched  and  forlorn 
victims  to  a  premature  death  ;  to  rescue  them  from  the 
complicated  evils,  generally  connected  with  ignorance 
and  idleness,  in  a  state  of  extreme  poverty- ;  to  furnish 
them  with  a  comfortable  subsistence  in  the  years  of 
their  helpless  childhood  ;  and  to  prepare  them,  by  a 
seasonable  education  in  the  elements  of  the  most  nee* 
essary  knowledge,  and  by  the  early  acquisition  of  a 
most  useful  habit  of  industry,  for  sharing  the  happiness, 
and  increasing  the  strength  and  prosperity  of  the  com* 


132  AW    ADDRESS,    DELITEREB 

munity  to  which  they  belong ;  how  generous  the  de- 
sign, how  exalted  and  extensive  the  charity  ;  how  de- 
serving, not  only  of  the  good  wishes  of  the  benevolent, 
but  of  the  zealous  exertions,  and  liberal  aid  of  all,  in  the 
power  of  whose  hand  it  may  be,  to  contribute  to  its 
support,  and  the  advancement  of  its  usefulness. 

Every  return  of  this  Anniversary,  unavoidably 
awakens  the  pleasing  recollection  of  the  origin  and  pro- 
gress of  this  great  and  beneficent  undertaking.  On  the 
present  interesting  occasion,  we  naturally  recal  to  grate- 
ful remembrance,  the  enlarged  and  active  benevolence 
of  those  who  formed  and  matured  the  plan  of  this  no- 
ble Asylum  ;  the  continued  generosity  of  those  whose 
free-will  offerings  have  been,  from  time  to  time,  pre- 
sented in  aid  of  the  funds,  which  the  treasury  of  our 
city  has  been  hitherto  able  to  afford  ;  and  the  unremit- 
ting zeal  and  exertions  of  those,  who,  in  the  honorable 
station  of  members  of  our  city  council,  and  of  those,  who 
under  their  direction,  holding  the  important  commission 
ofthe  special  guardians  of  this  Institution,  have  faithfully 
watched  over  its  interests,  and  assiduously  pursued  the 
best  practicable  measures  for  promoting  its  prosperity 
and  usefulness. 

To  pay  the  due  tribute  of  honor  to  the  worthy  au- 
thors and  benefactors  of  so  valuable  an  Institution, 
would  be  to  me  a  pleasing  part  of  this  Address.  But 
the  refined  feelings,  which  have  prompted  the  truly  be- 
nevolent to  these  generous  deeds,  will,  doubtless,  be 
much  more  agreeably  gratified,  if  I  shall  be  able  to  sug- 
gest any  thing,  that  may  be  more  directly  conducive  to 
the  further  advancement  of  the  same  good  work  ;  than 
they  would  be  in  hearing  the  best  eulogies  which  I 
could  offer,  reminding  them  of  what  they  have  already 
so  worthily  done. 


AT    THE    ORPHAN-HOUSE.  IZH 

Now,  as  it  is  from  the  more  wealthy  members  of  the 
commuoitj,  that  an  Asylum,  provided  for  the  children 
of  want  and  adversity,  must  be  expected  to  derive  its 
principal  support,  and  the  means  of  diffusing  more  ex- 
tensively its  benefits  ;  and  as  the  leading  design  of  our 
present  attendance  here,  is  to  pour  a  measure  of  the 
bounty  of  Heaven,  of  which  werespectively  partake, into 
this  excellent  fountain  of  charity,  that  its  sweet  and  re- 
freshing streams,  instead  of  failing  or  running  lower,  may 
flow  without  interruption,  and  with  more  copious  sup- 
plies to  those  who  need  them  :  I  have  thought  that 
your  reflections,  may  be  turned  into  a  direction  favoura- 
ble to  the  accomplishment  of  the  great  object  now  in 
view,  by  a  few  observations,  intended 

To  point  out  some  of  the  most  important  and  valuable 
purposes,  to  which  riches  may  be  improved  ;  and 

To  remind  you  of  some  of  the  principal  considera- 
tions or  motives,  by  which  such  an  improvement  of  them 
is  most  persuasively  recommended. 

Among  the  persons  whom  I  contemplate  as  the  pos- 
sessors of  riches,  I  include  those,  whose  resources  are 
more  than  adequate  to  the  supply  of  their  real  wants, 
and  to  their  comfortable  accommodation  in  that  station, 
which  they  hold  in  society.  Those,  who  on  the  solid 
ground  of  justice  and  honor,  possess  a  larger  share  of 
property,  than  will  suffice,  in  the  exercise  of  an  economy, 
equally  remote  from  mean  parsimony,  and  a  foolish,  os- 
tentatious, prodigf\lity,  to  maintain  a  style  of  living, 
correspondent  to  the  rank  and  employment  which  Di- 
vine Providence  has  allotted  to  them,  may  be  fairly  ar- 
ranged in  the  class  of  the  rich.  For  in  this  class  there 
are  many  grades,  commencing  with  those  who  enjoy 
lomething  more  than  a  real  competence,  and  ascending 


134  AX    ADDRESS,   DELITERED 

to  those,  who,  in  the  enjoyment  of  an  affluent  portion 
of  worldly  goods,  rnay  be  denominated  opulent.  And 
proportioned  to  the  measure  of  riches,  which  they  pos- 
sess, are  the  obligations  by  which  they  are  bound  to 
improve  them,  to  the  most  useful  purposes,  which  can 
be  accomplished  by  them. 

To  two  only  of  these  I  mean  to  confine  my  present 
views. 

The  first  relates  to  that  superior  cultivation  of  the 
roind,  which  is  reasonably  expected  of  those  who  are 
blessed  with  the  advantages,  which  riches  afford  for  the 
accomplishment  of  this  desirable  object. 

It  is  by  the  powers  of  the  mind,  that  men  are  chiefly 
distinguished  from  the  irrational  animals,  and  manifest 
themselves  to  be  more  nearly  and  honorably  related  to 
the  great  Father  of  spirits.  In  this  view  of  man,  the 
light  of  nature,  led  some  of  the  ancient  Heathen  poets 
and  moralists,  to  speak  of  him,  as  in  a  peculiar  sense,  the 
offspring;  of  the  Deity.  A  nd  in  the  light  of  Divine  rev- 
elation, the  Almighty  is  represented  as  conferring  a 
special  favour,  and  distinguishing  mark  of  honor  on  men, 
when,  "  through  his  inspiration,  he  giveth  them  under- 
standing," by  which  they  are  made  capable  of  know- 
ing more  than  the  beasts  of  the  earth,  and  becoming 
wiser  than  the  fowls  of  Heaven. 

But  like  the  wondrous  little  seed,  from  which  arises 
the  noblest  plant  or  tree,  that  is  presented  to  our  view, 
this  precious  gift  of  Heaven,  this  rational  understand- 
ing bestowed  upon  mpn  by  his  beneficent  Creator,  in  its 
beginning,  and  its  earliest  operations,  is  apparently- 
small,  and  almost  imperreplihie  ;  but  gradually  unfolds 
its  powers,  and  in  time  difsplays  a  degree  of  strength 
and  comprehension  astonishingly  great.  In  another 
Tiew,  also,  like  many  of  the  most  beautiful  and  valuable 


AT    THE    ORPHAN-HOUSE.  13^5 

producrions  in  the  vegetable  creation,  it  requires  1o  be 
cultivated  wriiL  tbe  greatest  attention  and  care  ;  and  its 
growth  and  improvement,  may  usuail/  be  expected  to 
appear,  in  a  just  proportion  to  the  pro])er  cultivation 
which  if  receives. 

This  attention  to  the  cultivation  of  the  human  mind, 
which  seems  to  be  capable  of  receiving  iuip/overaent, 
still  new,  and  ever  increasing,  ihroUfih  all  the  periods 
of  its  immortal  existence,  was  no  doubt,  a  primary  part 
of  the  delightful  employment  of  man,  in  his  pri'uiti^e 
Btate  of  innocence,  which  he  was  to  pursue  in  connexion 
with  the  pleasing  business  of  dressing  and  keeping  the 
terrestrial  paradise,  in  which  he  was  placed.  But  since 
the  deep  injury  which  our  nature  has  sufifered  in  i^s  in- 
tellectual powers,  as  well  as  in  its  moral  dif^positiotis, 
by  the  lamentable  fall  of  man  into  his  preseni  state  of 
depravity,  and  various  misery  and  ruin  ;  the  labour  of 
acquiring  any  high  degree  of  that  improvement,  of 
which  the  human  mind  remains  still  susceptible,  has  be- 
come as  much  more  arduous,  as  it  is  now  more  nece3sa< 
ry.  In  the  present  shattered  state  of  onr  fallen  nafure, 
the  mind  of  man  is  found  like  a  fine  painting,  or  statue, 
deeply  buried,  and  greatly  defaced,  under  the  ruins  of 
a  magnificent  city,  that  has  been  overthrown  by  some 
awful  volcanic  eruption,  or  by  the  more  destructive 
shock  of  a  tremendous  earthquake.  To  open  its  way 
to  the  bright  regions  of  knowledge,  through  the  dark 
and  thick  shades  of  ignorance,  with  which  it  is  covered  ; 
to  raise  it  from  the  low  pursuits  of  sensual  pleasure,  of 
sordid  avarice,  of  noisy,  vain  and  mischievous  ambition, 
towards  which  it  is  now  bent  by  its  strongest  natural 
propensities,  to  the  nobler  exercises  of  investigating 
truth,  of  discovering  or  applying  the  principles  of  use- 
ful science  ;  and  of  contemplating,  in  the  works  of  Crea- 


136  AN    ADDRESS,   DELirERED 

tion,  the  glory  of  the  adorable  Creator,  in  whom  alj 
perfections  centre,  and  who  is  rhe  infinite  source  of  all 
that  is  good,  excellent,  and  lovely,  throughout  the 
boundless  extent  of  the  universe  :  this  is  truly  an  ardu- 
ous undertaking,  and  demands  the  most  attentive  appli- 
cation, and  long  continued  labours.  TJiey  who  would 
successfully  pursue  it  to  any  considerable  extent,  must 
generally  be  able  to  command  much  time,  free  from  the 
anxious  care  of  providing  the  necessary  supplies  of  lite  ; 
an  extensive  collection  of  well-chosen  books  ;  and  an 
easy  intercourse  with  the  learned,  the  ingenious,  and 
the  wise. 

Now  these  are  the  advantages  which  riches  are  par- 
ticularly adapted  to  secure  ;  and  if  these  advantages 
were  duly  appreciated,  and  improved  by  those  who  en- 
joy them,  to  what  advances  in  ornamental  and  useful 
knowledge  might  they  not  attain  ? 

According  to  the  different  degrees  and  propensities 
of  genius,  capacity,  and  taste,  which  they  possess  ; 
they  might,  with  a  philosophic  eye,  explore  the  various 
departments  of  the  terrestrial  creation,  where  new  won- 
ders of  Divine  wisdom  and  bene6cence,  are  exhibited, 
in  every  object  from  the  greatest  to  the  most  minute  ; 
and  from  this  inferior  globe,  they  might  ascend, 

"  to  walk  the  skies, 
"Where  from  yon  arch,  that  infirjite  of  space 
With  infinite  of  lucid  orbs  replete  ; 
Which  set  the  living  firmament  on  fire 
At  the  first  glance,  in  such  an  overwhelm 
Of  wonderful,  on  roan's  astonished  sight 
Rushes  Omnipotence  ;" 

adapted  to  fill  the  soul  with  sentiments  of  the  most  pro- 
found adoration,  and  to  raise  it  in  strains  of  the  most 
elevated  praise,  to  «  Him,  by  the  word  of  whose  mouth 


AT    THB    ORPHAN-HOUSE.  137 

the  heavens,  and  all  the  host  of  them  were  made,  %vbo 
spake  and  it  was  done  ;  who  commanded,  and  it  stood 
fast.'^ 

Or,  studying  the  constitution  of  their  own  nature, 
and  tracing  the  springs  of  human  actions,  and  the  influ- 
ence of  the  various  relatiosis  in  which  men  are  connect- 
ed with  each  other  ;  and  foilo.ving  in  these  researches, 
with  becoming  humility  and  reverence,  the  guidance  of 
the  inspired  word  of  God,  which  he  has  given  us,  to  be 
as  a  lamp   to  our  feet,  and  a  light  to  our  path  ;  they 
might,  as  legislators,    or  magistrates  ;  or  as  moralists 
and    philanthropists,     in    a    more    private     and     less 
turbulent  sphere,    employ  their  enlarged  knowledge  of 
man  and  of  the  world,  in  framing  or  improving  systems 
of  laws,   and  enforcing   the   practice  of  virtues,  which 
would  be  most  conducive  to  the  preservation  and  pro- 
motion of  the  order,  the  peace,  and  the  interests  of  the 
community,  in  connexion  with  the   greatest  safety  and 
prosperity  of  the  individuals  of  which  it  is  composed. 

Or,  engaging  in  the  worthy  designs  of  unfolding,  and 
pointing  out  the  application  of  the  principles  of  the  me- 
chanic arts,  and  directing  the  eminently  important  la- 
bours of  agriculture,  that  great  earthly  source  from 
which  riches  are  primarily  dra^vn  ;  and  founding  theo- 
ries in  these  branches,  upon  judicious  and  decisive  ex- 
periments, they  might  contribute  largely  to  the  increase 
of  the  most  valuable  productions  of  the  earth,  and  of 
the  desirable  conveniencies  of  life.  Thus  they  might 
become  peculiarly  instrumental,  in  providing  a  more 
comfortable  subsistence  for  a  greater  number  of  tlie  hu- 
man race,  by  which  the  strength  of  the  nation,  and  the 
happiness  of  individuals,  would  be  at  once  secured  and 
advanced. 

18 


138  AN    ADDRESS,    DELIVERED 

When  the  advantages  which  riches  afford,  are  thus 
improved,  to  the  purposes  of  enriching  the  minds  of 
those  who  enjoy  them,  with  the  most  valuable  acquisi- 
tions of  literature  and  knowledge,  and  of  qualifying  them 
by  these  acquisitions,  for  becoming  the  instructors  and 
guides  of  others  in  the  most  useful  pursuits,  and  inter- 
esting concerns  of  life  :  wilh  what  becoming  superiori- 
ty, do  the  possessors  of  riches  appear  !  How  dignified 
their  character :  how  elevated  their  pleasures  :  how 
beneficial  their  studies  and  employments  ! 

But  if  genius  should  not  prompt,  nor  inclination  lead  ; 
or  if  any  particular  circumstances  should  forbid  the 
wealthy,  thus  to  pursue  the  cultivation  of  their  own 
minds,  to  any  considerable  extent ; 

Then  another  way  is  ever  open,  and  on  thisoccasioa 
presented,  in  the  most  forcible  manner  to  our  view  and 
reflections,  in  which  their  riches  may  be  improved  high- 
ly to  their  own  honor,  and  to  the  advancement  of  the 
interests  of  humanity,  virtue  and  religion. 

You  will  readily  perceive,  that  I  now  speak  generally 
of  the  relief  which  should  be  extended  to  the  poor  of 
every  description,  who  are  unable  to  provide  for  them- 
selves ;  and  more  particularly  of  that  assistance,  which 
should  be  afforded  to  the  children  of  the  poor,  by  se- 
curing to  them  a  comfortable  subsistence  during  their 
helpless  years  ;  together  with  the  benefits  of  such  an 
education,  as  may  qualify  them  for  pursuing,  with  repu- 
tation and  success,  the  common  occupations  of  life,  and 
enable  them,  at  the  same  time,  to  read  the  sacred  Scrip- 
tures, which  shew  to  men  the  way  of  salvation,  and  re- 
Teal  to  them  the  knowledge  of  the  things  of  their  pres- 
ent and  everlasting  peace. 


AT    THE    ORPHAN-HOUSE.  139 

The  Creator  and  Sovereign  of  the  world,  has  been 
pleased  to  appoint  to  the  children  of  men,  different  sta- 
tions and  employments.  Some  of  these  require  a  high- 
er degree  of  mental  capacity  and  improvement ;  and 
others  a  larger  measure  of  bodily  strength  and  activity. 
He  has  also  further  distinguished  one  from  another, 
by  dividing  to  them  different  portions  of  the  good  things 
of  this  world.  If  all,  duly  observing  and  acknowledging 
his  hand  in  this  arrangement,  would  properly  attend  to 
the  business  of  the  respective  stations  which  he  has 
thus  allotted  to  them,  and  faithfully  occupy  with  the 
talents  which  he  has  committed  to  them,  the  combina- 
tion of  these  several  classes,  and  of  the  labours  of  the 
whole,  would  produce  one  grand  system  of  order,  beau- 
ty, strength  and  happiness,  which  nothing  but  the  all 
comprehensive  mind  of  the  onJy  wise  and  good  God, 
could  have  planned.  Placed  in  such  relations  of  mu- 
tual dependence,  it  is  manifestly  the  interest,  and  ac- 
cordingly ought  to  be  the  concern,  of  every  member  of 
the  community,  that  there  should  be  no  schism  in  the 
body  ;  but  that  all  the  members  should  have  the  same 
care  one  for  another  ;  because  when  one  member  suf- 
fers, all  the  members  suffer  with  it  ;  and  when  one 
member  is  honored,  all  the  members  rejoice  with  it. 

The  rich,  by  a  proper  improvement  of  their  wealth, 
furnishing  suitable  employment,  and  the  means  of  ob- 
taining a  livelihood  to  the  poor,  become  their  natural 
and  constant  benefactors  ;  while  the  poor,  on  the  other 
hand,  are  the  no  less  necessary  and  useful  aids  of  the 
rich ;  as  it  is  by  the  labours  of  the  poor,  that  the  pos- 
sessions of  the  rich  are  acquired  and  preserved,  and  all 
the  conveniencies  and  enjoyments  attendant  on  a  state 
•f  affluence,  are  supplied. 


140  AN    ADDRESS,    DELIVEREB 

But  Ihe  poor  are  not  always  able  to  sustain  the  la- 
bours, on  which  they  may  depend  for  their  daily  bread. 
Sickness,  or  the  infirmities  of  age;  or  a  variety  of  ad- 
verse occurrences,  may  disqualify  them  for  pursuing 
their  proper  occupations.  When  these  are  suspended, 
ihe  sources  of  their  stated  supplies  fail.  The  situation, 
to  which  they  are  then  reduced,  may  be  more  easily 
imagined,  than  described.  Disease  and  pinching  want 
united,  form  an  accumulation  of  distress,  which  cannot 
fail  to  excite  the  sympathy  of  every  feeling  heart,  and 
which  demands  the  immediate  charitable  help  of  those 
by  whom  it  can  be  afforded.  The  sufierings  of  such 
subjects  of  affliction,  then,  doubtless,  call  loudly  upon 
the  sons  and  daughters  of  afiSuence,  to  stretch  forth  the 
hand  of  compassion  and  beneficence,  for  the  speedy  re- 
moval of  this  burden,  too  heavy  to  be  long  borne  ;  or 
for  the  alleviation  of  its  overwhelming  pressure,  when 
it  cannot  be  entirely  removed.  And  how  greatly  is  the 
value  of  riches  enhanced,  as  they  enable  their  posses- 
sors to  render  such  desirable  and  important  offices  of 
kindness  and  charity  to  the  poor  I 

But  these  sufferings  of  the  poor,  however  immediate- 
ly distressing  to  themselves,  are,  in  their  usual  conse- 
quences, still  more  calamitous  to  (heir  children. 

Elxtreme  poverty,  when  its  influence  is  not  effectual- 
ly counteracted  by  the  cheering,  animating,  consolations 
and  hopes  of  religion,  tends  to  depress  and  debase  the 
mind.  While  it  denies,  or  contracts  the  ability,  it  of- 
ten extinguishes,  or  greatly  abates,  the  disposition  and 
desire  of  parents  to  provide  for  their  children,  such  an 
education,  as  would  enable  them  to  rise  to  a  better  sit- 
uation in  the  world.  This  most  important  office  of  pa- 
rental love  and  care,  is  accordingly  unhappily  neglect- 


AT    THE    ORPHAN  HOUSB.  141 

ed  by  many  in  the  lower  ranks  of  society.  Whether 
this  neglect  proceed  from  inevitable  necessity,  or  from 
a  criminal  misapplication  of  the  means  in  their  power, 
the  nnhappy  consecpienres  to  their  helpless  children, 
and  to  society,  are  nearly  the  same. 

Well  dispo^sed,  as  soQ]e  may  be  in  their  straitened 
circumstances,  to  secure,  by  a  proper  education,  the 
best  portion  which  they  can  provide  for  their  children, 
they  may  be  prevented  from  accomplishing  their  anx- 
ious wishes,  by  the  arresting  hand  of  death.  Their 
children  are  then  thrown  helpless  orphans  upon  the 
world,  to  feel  the  deplorable  effects  of  so  early  a  priva- 
tionofthat  tender,  affectionate  parental  care,  which  would 
have  strusfgled  through  many  difficulties,  to  provide 
both  for  (heir  bodily  wants,  and  the  cultivation  of  their 
minds.  In  these  afflicting  circumstances,  shall  they  be 
left,  abandoned  as  the  forlorn  outcasts  of  society,  un- 
pitied,  unrelieved  ?  All  the  tender  sensibilities  of  the 
humane  heart,  and  the  benevolent  spirit  of  Christianity, 
especially,  revolt  from  the  shocking  thought,  from  the 
dismal  prospect. 

But  thus  destitute  and  friendless,  to  whom  shall  these 
children  of  adversity  and  sorrow,  look  up  for  the  com- 
passion and  the  assistance,  to  which  their  wants  give 
them,  a  peculiar  claim  ?  Does  not  the  finger  of  Provi- 
dence, plainly  point  them  to  the  rich,  as  their  natural 
guardians  ?  And  to  them  is  not  the  voice  of  the  com- 
mon Parent  of  the  great  family  of  mankind,  particular- 
ly and  persuasively  addressed,  in  that  very  soleo^n  and 
affectionate  charge,  **  Take  these  children,  and  bring 
them  up  for  me." 

But  to  all  who  are  disposed  to  comply  with  this  call 
•f  Divine  Providence,  and  discharge  this  great  debt  of 


142  AN    ADDRESS,    DELITERED 

humanitj,  it  may  not  be  convenient,  personally  to  un- 
dertake the  arduous  trust.  And  if  this  important  bu- 
siness were  left  solely  to  the  good  will  and  efforts  of  in- 
dividuals, acting  without  concert  or  system,  some  would 
be  found  to  bear  more,  and  others  less,  than  their  due 
proportion  of  the  burden ;  according  to  the  higher  or 
lower  measure  of  benevolence  and  zeal,  by  which  they 
are  actuated  ;  while  many  of  the  numerous  class  of  the 
pitiable  sufferers,  whose  case  we  are  contemplating, 
might  be  wholly  overlooked,  and  obtain  no  share  of  the 
sympathy  and  relief,  to  which  they  are,  by  their  neces- 
sities, equally  entitled. 

Hence  result  the  propriety,  and  the  utility  of  such 
an  Institution  as  this  ;  wisely  planned  to  combine,  and 
by  combining,  to  render  more  eflScacious,  the  benevo- 
lent views  and  exertions  of  individuals,  in  accomplish- 
ing one  of  the  most  interesting  and  important  works  of 
charity,  that  can  be  undertaken. 

This  Asylum,  then,  may  be  justly  regarded  as  a  dis- 
tinguishing, and  most  honorable  monument  of  the  wis- 
dom, and  public  spirit  of  our  city  ;  and  of  the  discern- 
ing and  well  directed  charity  of  the  individuals,  who 
have  generously  contributed  to  its  establishment  and 
success.  And  while  it  continues,  by  a  most  munificent 
hospitality,  to  provide  every  comfortable  accommoda- 
tion, connected  with  seasonable  instruction  in  some  of 
the  most  necessary  branches  of  learning,  and  the  early 
acquisition  of  a  most  useful  habit  of  industry,  to  a  nu- 
merous class  of  children,  who  would  otherwise  want  all 
these  comforts  and  advantages  ;  the  rich  and  the  poor, 
may  contemplate  its  establishment,  and  its  growing 
prosperity,  with  almost  equal  solicitude  and  satisfac- 
tion.    For  by  supporting  this  Institution^  and  perpetR" 


AT    THE    ORPHAN-HOUSE.  143 

afing  and  extending  its  usefulness,  the  rich  may,  with 
the  greatest  ease  and  advantage,  discharge  a  great  debt 
of  humanity,  which  they  owe  to  one  of  the  most  help- 
less, pitiable,  and  interesting,  classes  of  the  poor  ;  while 
these  again  here  meet  their  generous  friends  and  bene- 
factors, supplying,  in  the  most  judicious  and  liberal 
manner,  every  present  want,  and  opening  to  them  the 
most  cheering  prospects  into  the  future  years  of  life; 
and  perhaps,  into  the  future  ages  of  their  immortal  ex- 
istence, which  were  before  overcast  with  clouds  of  the 
deepest  gloom  and  despondence. 

To  the  promotion  of  the  important  objects  which 
this  excellent  Institution  embraces  ;  shall  we  not  then 
feel  ourselves  impelled  to  improve  a  portion  of  the 
bounty  of  Heaven,  which  has  been  bestowed  upon  us, 
by  all  the  powerful  and  persuasive  motives,  by  which, 
in  such  cases,  our  hearts  and  our  conduct  ought  to  be 
influenced  ? 

These  motives  are  numerous  and  various.  But  it 
may  suffice,  at  present,  to  suggest  only  two  or  three  of 
primary  weight  and  efficacy. 

Let  it  then  be  recollected,  that  we  are  only  stewards 
of  those  riches,  or  of  that  portion  of  good  things,  with 
which  we  are  favoured  by  a  beneficent  Providence. 

It  is  equally  the  dictate  of  reason  and  revelation, 
that  "  every  good  gift,"  every  desirable  advantage 
and  comfort  which  we  enjoy,  "  cometh  down  from  the 
Father  of  lights."  Nothing  but  the  most  pitiable  ig- 
norance, or  the  most  insufferable  pride,  can  for  a  mo- 
ment hesitate  in  subscribing  to  the  truth  of  what  the 
language  of  Divine  Inspiration  every  where  teaches ; 
that  all  which  is  in  heaven,  and  in  the  earth,  belongeth 
to  the  great  parent  and  sovereign  of  the  universe  ;  that 


144  AN    ADDRESS,    DELIVERED 

he  reigneth  over  all  in  the  exercise  of  an  absolute  do- 
minion ;  that  riches  and  honor  come  from  him  ;  and  that 
it  is  he,  in  short,  who  givelh  us  all  things  richly  to  en- 
joy- 

Has  he  "  loaded  us  with  his  benefits,"  or  has  he 
supplied  us  wilh  more  than  a  sufSciencj  to  satisfy  our 
own  reasonable  wants  ?  In  what  light  are  we  to  consid- 
er ;  in  what  manner  are  we  to  improve,  the  bounty  of 
our  heavenly  Parent's  hand  ?  Are  bis  favours  granted 
to  us,  as  our  absolute  property  ?  And  may  we  use 
them  in  all  respects  as  we  please  ?  Are  they  not,  on  the 
contrary,  evidently  committed  to  us  as  a  trust,  which 
we  hold  at  the  pleasure  of  their  Author,  and  which  we 
are  bound  to  employ  according  to  his  will  ?  And  has 
he  not  most  clearly  manifested  it  to  be  his  will,  that  we 
should  never  forget  to  do  good,  according  to  the  means 
with  which  he  has  furnished  us,  by  communicating  to 
others,  whose  necessities  may  be  supplied  from  our 
abundance  ? 

This  he  teaches  us  by  the  most  conspicuous  objects 
which  he  presents  to  our  view  in  the  heavens,  wherein 
his  glory  is  eminently  displayed  ;  while  we  there  be- 
hold the  sun  diffusing  his  cheering  light  and  vivifying 
heat,  over  the  various  regions  of  our  earth,  which 
without  his  friendly  beams,  would  be  one  vast,  dreary, 
barren  wilderness ;  and  while  we  there  see  the  clouds 
pouring  down  the  plentiful  rain  to  refresh  the  thirsty 
ground,  to  revive  the  languishing  plants,  and  replenish 
the  failing  fountains  and  streams  of  water. 

This  he  teaches  us  still  more  clearly  by  his  own  ex- 
ample ;  while  he  opens  continually  his  liberal  hand,  and 
satisfieth  the  desires  of  every  living  thing,  with  the 
good  suited  to  their  respective  natures  ^  and  is  con- 


AT    THE    ORPHAN-HOUSE.  145 

stantly  doing  good,  more  especially,  to  ibe  children  of 
men  ;  for  whose  souls  he  has  provided  (he  inestima- 
ble blessings  of  redemption  through  the  riches  of  his 
grace  in  his  beloved  Son  ;  and  whose  hearts  he  fills 
with  joj  and  gladness,  through  the  various  excellent 
supplies  with  which  they  are  furnished  by  his  provi- 
dential care  and   bounty. 

And  this  he  teaches  us,  in  the  plainest  manner,  by 
his  written  word  which  speaks  a  language  the  most  un- 
equivocal and  decisive  ;  "  charging  them  that  are  rich 
in  this  world,  to  be  rich  in  good  works,  ready  to  dis- 
tribute, willing  to  communicate,'*  to  those  who  need 
the  supplies  which  they  can  conveniently  spare. 

How  important  and  precious  is  the  trust  thus  com- 
mitted to  the  rich  :  And  in  a  ready  and  faithful  discharge 
of  this,  with  what  honour  do  they  appear,  as  the  ap- 
pointed dispensers  of  the  bounty  of  theg|reat  and 
beneficent  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  to  their  feUow- 
men  !  ^ 

Let  us  also  recollect  ;  that  to  our  Lord  we  must  give 
an  account  of  our  stewardship  ;  and  that  we  must  ex- 
pect to  meet  his  displeasure  or  approbation,  and  to  re- 
ceive from  him  an  everlasting  recompense,  correspon- 
dent  to  the  manner  in  which  we  have  fulfilled  the  trust 
reposed  in  us. 

This,  the  suggestions  of  reason  and  conscience  lead 

us  to  expect  ;  and   what  can  be   more   worthy   of  the 

character  of  the  great  Proprietor   and    Ruler  of  the 

universe  ;  or  what  more  wisely  adapted    to  secure  the 

fidelity,  and  cherish   the  benevolence  of  individuals, 

and  to  promote  the  order,  harmony  and    happiness  of 

society  ?  This  we  are  accordingly   taught   among   the 

fundamental   doctrines  of   Divine  Revelation,  which 
19 


146  AJf    ADDRESS,    DELIVERED 

testifies,  that  our  Lord  will  shortly  come  and  reckon 
with  us,  and  bring  every  work  into  judgment,  whether 
it  be  good  or  bad,  with  a  view  to  render  unto  all  accord- 
ing to  what  they  have  done. 

You  need  not  be  here  informed,  as  you  well  know, 
how  awful  is  the  prospect  for  eternity,  which  the  in- 
spired volume  opens  to  those,  who  penuriously  hoard, 
or  riotously  waste,  their  Lord's  goods,  instead  of  ap- 
plying them  to  the  worthy  purposes  for  which  they  are 
intrusted  Jo  their  care. 

But  what  on  the  other  hand,  can  be  better  calculated 
to  animate  to  unwearied  constancy,  and  more  abundant 
labours  in  well  doing,  than  the  view  which  the  same 
word  of  truth  and  grace  gives  of  the  final  happy  lot  of 
those,  who  on  the  principles  of  a  truly  christian  faith 
and  love,  the  only  principles,  from  which  any  genuine 
good  wo^  in  man  can  flow,  have  acceptably  "  hon- 
ored the  Lord  with  their  substance  ;"  while  it  pre- 
sentS|ihem  standing  with  hojy  boldness  before  him  in 
the  day  of  judgment,  and  in  the  midst  of  the  assembled 
universe  of  intelligent  creatures, receiving  from  his  gra- 
cious lips,  that  most  honorable  plaudit  and  w'elcomc 
sentence  ;  *'  Well  done  good  and  faithful  servant  ; 
thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will  make 
thee  ruler  over  many  things  ;  enter  thou  into  the  joy 
of  thy  Lord!" 

Who  would  not  aspire  to  be  found  among  the  happy 
number,  whom  the  King  of  dory,  shall  thus  distinguish 
with  the  highest  immortal  honors,  and  thus  receive  to 
the  fullness  of  everlasting  joy  in  his  presence  ?  Let 
this  be  our  generous,  our  sacred  ambition.  Under  the 
influence  of  that  love  to  our  brethren,  which  is  produc- 
ed by  the  love  of  God  our  Saviour,  let  it  be  our  care^ 


AT    THE    ORPFIAKT-HOUSE.  147 

that  according  to  our  abiiilles,  we  may  sow  plendfuUy 
in  all  judicious  charitable  distributions,  to  the  cliil- 
dren  of  want ;  persuaded,  that  what  we  thus  do,  our 
Lord  will  kindly  acknowledge  as  done  to  himself;  and 
assured,  that  then,  in  due  season,  through  the  riches  of 
his  grace,  we  shall  reap  an  abundant  harvest  of  immor- 
tal glory  and  felicity  in  his  heavenly  kingdom. 

Let  it  be  further  considered,  that  while  we  are  thus 
improving  the  means  which  we  possess  for  contribut- 
ing to  the  relief  and  comfort  of  the  indigent  and  afflict- 
ed classes  of  our  fellow-mortals,  we  are  at  the  same 
time  providing  most  effectually  for  the  promotion  of 
our  own  present  happiness. 

For  the  truth  of  ihis  may  I  not  with  confidence  ap- 
peal to  all  who  have  made  the  experiment  ?  Have  not 
you,  who  have  been  particularly  distinguished  by  the 
bounty  of  heaven,  found  "  the  luxury  of  doing  good," 
the  most  exquisite  that  riches  can  supply  ?  When 
have  you  tasted  the  highest  and  sweetest  satisfactions, 
that  you  have  ever  found  in  the  use  of  your  worldly 
possessions  ?  Has  it  not  been  in  seasons  when,  in  the 
exercise  of  a  discreet  and  liberal  charity,  you  have 
shared  them  with  the  poor,  the  destitute  and  distress- 
ed ?  Has  it  not  been,  when  you  have  sought,  found 
and  relieved,  real,  and  perhaps  more  than  conmton 
worth,  fallen  from  the  enjoyment  of  more  prosperous 
days,  into  circumstances  of  difficulty  and  perplexity, 
and  yet  too  diffident  to  obtrude  itself  on  the  notice  of 
the  public,  and  too  modest  even  to  accept  of  offered 
assistance,  unless  when  afforded  in  a  way  the  most  ten- 
der and  delicate  ;  when,  in  more  ordinary  cases  you 
have  "  dealt  your  bread  to  the  hungry,  and  clothed  the 
naked  ;   when  you  have  taken  the  poor  that  were  cas^ 


148 


AN    ADDRESS,    DELIVERED 


out,  info  your  houses  ;"  or  have  aided  Ihe  community 
in  providing  for  them  such  an  hospitable  shelter,  and 
such  comfortable  accommodations  as  this  house  affords  ; 
or  when  you  have  furnished  to  the  ignorant,  the  means 
of  the  most  necessary  and  useful  instruction,  relative  to 
the  affairs  of  this  life,  and  the  concerns  of  their  ever- 
lasting salvation  ? 

In  the  performance  of  such  worthy  and  generous 
deeds,  have  you  not  experienced  pleasures  heart-felt, 
and  refined,  far  surpassing  all  that  you  have  ever  en- 
joyed in  the  entertainments  of  the  most  sumptuous 
table,  or  in  the  dazzling  shew  of  the  most  splendid 
dress  or  equipage,  or  in  the  accommodations  of  the 
most  magnificent  and  richly  furnished  mansion  ?  Are 
not  the  pleasures,  which  attend  and  follow  such  chari- 
table and  beneficent  services,  the  pleasures  that  al- 
ways bear  a  review  ;  and  that  are  enjoyed  over  again 
with  the  sweetest  sensations  on  every  renewed  recol- 
lection ? 

Do  not  these  give  a  double  relish  to  every  other  en- 
joyment of  a  state  of  aflSuence,  which  moderation  and 
temperance  allow,  and  which  reason  and  religion  ap- 
prove and  sanction  ?  And  does  not  the  remembrance 
of  these  also  sensibly  tend  to  lighten  the  gloom,  and 
sweeten  the  sorrows  of  the  heaviest  afflictions,  when 
the  common  joys  of  the  world  are  gone,  driven  like 
chaff  before  the  stormy  winds  of  a  day  of  adversity  ? 
When  the  greatest  and  worthiest  of  all  the  men  of  the 
east,  in  his  day,  was  fallen  from  the  highest  pinnacle  of 
worldly  felicity,  into  the  lowest  depths  of  worldly 
trouble  and  sorrow,  how  soothing,  how  consoling  must 
it  have  been  to  his  deeply  wounded  and  bleeding 
heart,  to  look   back  with  an  approving  conscience  up- 


AT    THE    ORPHAN-HOUSE.  149 

on  his  conduct  in  the  time  of  his  eminent  prosperity  ; 
to  recollect  how  he  had  improved  his  vast  possessions, 
his  distinguishing  honors,  his  great  power  and  influ- 
ence, "in  causing  the  widow's  heart  to  sing  for  joy  ;  in 
shewing  himself  a  father  to  the  fatherless  and  the  poor  ; 
in  becoming  eyes  to  the  blind,  and  feet  to  the  lame  ; 
and  in  delivering  the  oppressed,  and  defending  the 
cause  of  those  who  had  none  to  help  them  !"  Is  the 
joy  of  the  most  abundant  harvest ;  or  is  the  rejoicing 
of  men  when  they  exult  in  the  honors  of  victory,  and 
divide  the  richest  spoil  of  their  conquered  enemies,  to 
be  once  compared  with  the  satislactions  and  consola- 
tions which  this  great  and  good  man  must  have  felt, 
under  the  most  distressing  vicissitudes  to  which  human 
life  is  liable,  when  he  could  thus  reflect  upon  the  wor- 
thy part  which  he  had  acted,  in  his  brighter  and  more 
prosperous  days,  towards  the  necessitous  and  the  af- 
flicted of  every  description,  in  consequence  of  which 
**  the  blessings  of  many  ready  to  perish  had  come  up- 
on him,'*  in  the  richest  abundance,  and  with  the  kind- 
liest influence  T 

If  there  be  indeed  pleasures  worthy  of  the  rational 
nature  of  man,  and  becoming  the  dignified  character  of 
christians,  to  be  drawn  from  the  use  of  the  good  things 
of  the  world,  they  must  surely  be  such  as  these  which 
are  experienced  in  the  performance  of  those  beneficent 
actions,  and  in  the  steady  pursuit  of  that  course  of  well- 
doing, in  which  the  children  of  men  are  called  to  shew 
themselves  merciful,  as  their  Father  in  heaven  is  mer- 
ciful, and  to  be  followers  of  the  Divine  Redeemer,  who 
went  about  continually  doing  good  ;  bestowing,  with 
the  most  bountiful  hand,  blessings  temporal  and  spiritu- 
al, upon  the  destitute,  the  afflicted,  the  penitent,  the 


150  AN    ADDRESS,    DBLIYERED 

disconsolate  ;  and  who  thus  enforced  by  his  most  per- 
suasive  example,  what  he  taught  his  disciple?  by  Wig 
noblest  precept,  saying,  "  II  is  more  blessed  to  give 
than  to  receiveJ'^ 

Is  not  the  exercise  of  this  beneficence  forcibly  recom- 
mended also,  by  the  consideration,  that  instead  of  wast- 
ing, it  promises  rather  an  increase  of,  the  resources  by 
which  it  is  supported  ? 

In  this  case,  I  feel  no  hesitation  in  asserting,  that 
constant  observation  and  experience  accord  with,  and 
coiifirm,  the  testimony  of  the  sacred  word  of  God, 
which  declares  ;  that  "  there  is  that  scattereth," 
meaning  in  charitable  distributions,  **  and  yet  in- 
creaseth  ;"  that  '*  the  liberal  soul  deviseth  liberal  things, 
and  by  liberal  things  shall  he  stand;"  and  that  when 
any  give  with  a  prudent  generosity  to  the  support  and 
relief  of  suffering  humanity,  and  the  promotion  of  the 
designs  and  institutions  of  genuine  benevolence,  and 
real  utility,  it  shall  be  given  to  them  again,  "good 
measure,  pressed  down,  and  running  over,"  "  Thus 
lie  hath  said,  who  cannot  deceive  us."  And  there  are 
perhaps  no  assurances  and  promises,  of  the  word  of 
Gild,  more  evidently  and  remarkably  fulfilled  than 
these  in  the  view  of  all  who  observe  the  course  of  Prov- 
idence. 

The  most  benevolent  and  charitable  are  not  exempt- 
ed from  the  common  adverse  occurrences  of  life,  which 
come  alike  to  all  ;  *•  excepting  that  they  come  with  the 
evidences  and  blessings  of  a  heavenly  Father's  love  to 
his  children  j  while,  with  all  other  things,  they  work  for 
their  sjood.  But  if  those  who  have,  according  to  their 
abilities,  abounded  in  the  works  of  mercy  and  charity, 
should  ever  be  reduced  to  circumstances  of  want  and 


AT    THE    ORPffAN-HOUSE,  lol 

distress,  Ihey  may  with  peculiar  confidence  expect  to 
experience  from  their  fellow-men,  the  compassion  and 
assistance,  which  they  have  rendered  to  others,  in  a 
similar  situation  ;  or  they  may  rest  assured,  that  the 
Lord  himself  will,  in  a  more  immediate  way,  speedily 
deliver  them,  or  graciously  strengthen  them,  and  sup- 
port them,  in  the  time  of  their  trouble. 

Has  it  been  hitherto  your  happy  lot,  instead  of  ex- 
periencing those  adverse  changes  to  which  all  are  liable^ 
to  minister  rather  to  the  relief  of  those  who  are  suffer- 
ing under  them  ?  And  have  you  not  found,  that  through 
the  manifest  interpositions  of  God's  good  Providence, 
securing  to  you  the  favour  and  friendship  of  your  fel- 
low-men,  or  in  other  ways  remarkably  directing  your 
counsels  and  undertakings,  and  crowning  your  labours 
with  success,  he  has  abundantly  verified  to  you  his 
sacred  word,  by  which,^  with  the  most  condescending 
goodness,  he  represents  those  who  consider,  and  pity? 
and  relieve  the  poor,  as  lending  to  himself ;  and  has 
engaged  to  pay  again  to  such,  what  they  hive  given  ? 

Frequent  and  various  are  the  occasions,  on  which 
you  are  called  to  help  Ihe  poor,  whom  you  have  al- 
ways with  you  ;  and  to  give  your  aid  to  the  support  of 
institutions,  more  or  less  private  or  public,  designed  to 
minister  to  the  relief  of  the  necessitous  and  the  suffer- 
ing,  to  advance  the  interests  of  literature  and  religion, 
and  to  promote  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  individu- 
als, and  of  society.  Such  occasions  have,  I  doubt  notj 
been  regarded  by  you  in  one  view,  as  desirable  oppor- 
tunities offered,  in  the  course  of  Divine  Providence, 
for  testifying  your  gratitude  to  the  bountiful  Author 
of  all  your  enjoyments,  and  the  generous  zeal  with 
which  you  are  ready  to  do  good  to  all  men,  to   whoca 


152  AN  addreIs, 


DELIVERED 


the  benign  influence  of  your  pbilanthropj,  can  be  ex- 
tended. And  have  you  had  cause  to  apprehend,  that 
your  success  was  interrupted,  or  your  prosperity  im- 
paired, in  consequence  of  what  you  thus  dedicated  to 
the  honor  of  God,  and  the  benefit  of  your  fellow-men  ? 
Hare  you  nor,  on  the  contrary,  found  the  blessing  of 
the  Lord  visibly  attending  your  lawful  business  and 
pursuits,  and  his  bountiful  hand,  soon  and  signally,  re- 
plenishing your  treasures,  and  abundantly  making  up 
to  you,  what  you  had  expended  on  proper  principles, 
in  such  worthy  and  useful  services  ;  and  often  by 
means  entirely  unforeseen,  and  from  sources  altogether 
unexpected  ? 

The  present  occasion  affords  another  interesting  op- 
portunity for  manifesting,  that  you  have  not  become 
weary  in  well  doing. 

You  have  planted  here  a  most  valuable  tree  in  a  fer- 
tile and  well  prepared  soil.  Distinguished  by  the 
favour  of  heaven  shining  upon  it  with  the  kindest  beams, 
it  has  taken  foot,  and  grown,  and  flourished,  in  a  degree, 
perhaps,  surpassing  your  first  most  sanguine  expecta- 
tions. Under  its  wide-spreading  shade,  how  many 
houseless  wanderers,  have  been  most  comfortably 
sheltered  from  the  consuming  heat,  and  desolating 
storms  of  adversity  ;  and  by  its  pleasant,  nourishing 
fruits,  how  many  feeble  travellers,  in  some  of  the  most 
rugged  and  uncertain  paths  of  life,  have  been  most  sea- 
sonably cheered  and  refreshed  ;  when  ready  to  faint 
and  perish  ! 

That  it  may  still  live  and  grow  and  flourish,  and 
yield  its  precious  fruits  without  diminution,  and  in  yet 
richer  abundance  ;  it  must  be  still  watered  again  and 
again,  by  the  same  fostering  hand  of  charity,  which  has 


AT    THE     ORFHAN-KOUSE.  153 

already  done  so  much  towards  rearing  it  fo  that  degree 
of  vigor  and  utility,  to  which  it  has  aheady  risen. 
And  thus,  I  doubt  not,  you  are  on  this  occasion  pre- 
pared again  to  contribute  to  its  support,  and  to  the  in- 
crease of  its  strength  and  fruitfulness. 

In  this  persuasion  I  commend  it,  with  the  most  pleas- 
ing confidence  and  animating  hope,  to  your  continued, 
kind  attention  and  beneficent  care  ;  and  above  all,  to 
the  protection  and  favour  of  his  gracious  Providence, 
by  whose  blessing  it  has  been  hitherto  so  signally 
prospered,  and  through  whose  good  hand  alone  it  can 
still  be  perpetuated,  and  carried  forward  to  that  full 
maturity,  and  extensive  usefulness,  to  which  it  may  yet 
be  advanced. 

But  before  I  conclude  this  address,  I  hope  I  may 
be  indulged  a  little  longer,  by  the  candor  and  patience 
of  this  respectable  assembly,  while  I  attempt  to  sug- 
gest, in  the  plainest  language,  a  few  words  of  adujoui- 
tion  and  exhortation,  to  the  children  of  this  Asylum. 

My  young  friends.  There  are  I  trust  a  number  of 
you,  who  are  able  to  understand  what  I  now  wish  to 
say  to  you.  Hear  me  then,  with  attention  ;  and 
may  the  Lord  graciously  dispose  your  hearts  to  feel 
and  improve  what  you  hear. 

Many  of  you  are  orphan  children,  deprived,  at  a  time 
whea  you  were  least  capable  of  taking  care  of  your- 
selves, of  the  parents  who  might  naturally  have  been 
expected  to  be  yourbest  earthly  friends.  Others  of  you, 
though  not  thus  bereaved  of  your  parents,  were,  while 
left  with  them,  subjected  to  so  many  disadvantages, 
that  you  seemed  (o  have  no  good  reason  to  hope,  that 
you  would  ever  be  well  provided  for  in  the  things  of 
this  world,  or  trained  up  in  the  way  which  leads  to  the 

feappiness  of  the  life  to  come. 
20 


151  AN    ADDRESS,    DELIVERED 

But  when  you  were  in  these  unhappy  circumsfanceEf^ 
your  Heavenly   Father,  who  is  equally  the    Maker  of 
the  rich  and   the  poor,    and  wilh  whom  there  is  no  re- 
spect   of  persons,    was  pleased  to   pity    you,  and    to 
shew  yoo  mercy.     Having  the  hearts  of  all  men  in  his 
hands,  he  inclined  the    hearts  of   those  wlio  were  able 
to  help  you,  (o  view  your  case    with    the    feelings   of  a 
tender  compassion,  and  to    build  for  you,  and   such  as 
you  arc,  Ih:^  spacious  and  excellent  house,  where,  dur- 
ing the  most  help.-ess  years  of  your  life,  you  are  provid- 
ed with  comfortable  lodging,  food  and  clothing,  and  are 
committed  to   the  direction  of   well  quali6ed  governors 
and  teachers.    Under  their  care  you  are  kept  out  of  the 
•way  of  many  sins  and  temptations,  which  might,  in  other 
circumstances,  haTC  ruined  you  in  body   and  soul,  and 
made   you   miserable  m  time  and  through  eternity  ;  and 
by  their  instructions  you  may  obtain  such  an  education,  as 
"will  prepare  you  for  learning  and  pnrsuing,  in  due  time, 
some  honest  trade  or  business,  by  which  you  may  here- 
after live  reputably  and  comfortably  in  the  world.    But 
what  you  should  reckon  among  the  greatest  advantages 
of  your  present  situation,  is,  that  you  aie  here  particu- 
larly taught  to   read    the  Bible,   the   best  book  in  the 
"world,  it  having  been  written   by   wise  and  good  men, 
in  obedience  to  the  command  of  God,  and  by  the  inspira- 
tion of   the  Holy  Spirit.     By  reading  and  understand- 
ing this  book,  you  may  learn  to  know  the  God  who  made 
you  ;  and  the  Saviour  who  died  to  redeem  you  fro  »i  sin 
and  from  everlasting  misery  ;  and  what  you  must  do  ta 
please  and  honor  your  Maker  and   Redeemer  in    this 
•world,  and  to  obtain  eternal  life  and  blessedness   witfe 
him  in  the  world  to  come. 


AT    THE    ORPHAN-HOUSE.  155 

Think  of  these  things,  and  consider  how  thankful 
you  ought  lo  be  to  ihe  good  friends  who  have  gener- 
ously taken  so  niuch  care,  and  been  at  so  great  an  ex- 
pense, for  jour  present  and  eternal  welfare  ;  and  how 
thankful  especially  you  ought  to  be,  to  the  great  and 
blessed  God,  who  disposes  and  enables  these  friends  to 
shew  you  so  much  kindness,  and  whose  mercies  to  you 
are  so  many  and  so  great. 

Are  your  youthful  hearts  tenderly  affected,  when 
you  think  how  much  better  and  more  desirable  your 
situation  is  here,  than  that  of  thousands  of  other  poor 
children  in  the  world  ?  And  are  you  ready  to  say, 
How  shall  we  shew  our  gratitude,  to  our  kind  benefac- 
tors, who  have  done,  and  who  are  still  doing  so  much 
for  our  comfort  and  benefit  ? 

Let  me  tell  you  ;  that  the  most  pleasing  return  which 
you  can  make  to  them,  will  be,  to  give  them  the  satis- 
faction of  seeing  you  concerned  and  endeavouring  io 
do  well  for  yourselves.  Greatly  indeed  would  they 
be  disappointed  and  grieved,  if  they  should  see  you 
turn  out  thoughtless,  wicked,  and  useless  creatures, 
determined  to  go  on  in  the  broad  road  of  vice  and  folly, 
which  leads  down  to  everlasting  death  and  destruction. 
But  how  great  will  be  the  pleasure  and  joy  of  their 
hearts,  if  they  see  you,  by  your  general  good  beha- 
viour, and  especially  by  a  serious  attention  to  the  du- 
ties of  religion  and  morality,  promising  fair  to  act  your 
part  well  in  the  stations  in  which  Providence  may  place 
you  in  this  world,  and  to  secure  your  interest  in  a  bet- 
ter and  more  enduring  inheritance  in  heaven,  than  the 
richest  can  possess  on  earth. 

Would  you  also  know  what  you  shall  render  to  the 
Jjord,  the  God  of  your  mercies,  for  delivering  you  from 


15S  AN    ADDRESS,    DELIVERED 

the  many  evils  lo  which  yon  were  lately  exposed, 
and  favouring  you  wilh  the  many  and  great  advan- 
tages, which  you  here  enjoy  ? 

Let  me  then  remind  you,  that  you  ought  to  feel  j^our 
hearts  engaged,  by  all  his  goodness  and  mercy  which 
you  have  experienced  ;  to  remember  your  Creator 
and  Redeemer  in  the  days  of  your  youth  ;  to  remem- 
ber him,  so  as  to  fear  and  love  him,  to  devote  your- 
selves to  his  service,  and  to  seek  your  happiness  in  his 
favour,  even  now  in  the  morning  of  your  days.  This 
is  certainly  your  most  reasonable  duty,  which  you  owe 
to  your  Heavenly  Father,  and  blessed  Saviour.  If 
you  desire  thus  to  fear  and  love  him,  and  begin  thus 
early  to  seek  and  serve  him,  you  may  well  hope  that 
he  will  love  you  ;  that  you  will  find  him  your  best 
friend,  and  Ihat  he  will  delight  to  bless  you,  and  re- 
joice over  you  in  doing  you  good. 

Seek  him  then  with  all  your  hearts,  while  he  may  be 
found.  Pray  earnestly,  every  day,  to  your  Father  in 
heaven,  in  the  name  of  Jesus  your  Redeemer,  for  his 
Holy  Spirit,  which  he  is  most  ready  to  give  to  them 
who  ask  him,  that  you  may  be  taught  by  Him  to 
know  the  Lord  as  your  God,  and  enabled  to  believe 
in  Christ  the  Son  of  God  as  your  Saviour  ;  and  that 
you  may  be  led  and  kept  in  the  peaceful,  pleasant 
ways  of  his  holy  religion,  to  bis  heavenly  kingdom. 

If  you  thus  pray,  the  Lord  will  hear  you,  and  grant 
you  the  mercy  and  grace  which  you  seek,  and  bless 
you  exceedingly  abundantly  above  ail  that  you  can  ask 
or  think. 

The  great  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  will  then  be 
your  Father,  and  will  be  unspeakably  better  to  you, 
than  the  richest  and  best  parents  on   earth  can  be  te 


AT    THE    ORPHAN-HOUSE.  157 

their  belored  children.  And  then  also,  the  Son  of 
God,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  pailicularly  pleas- 
ed lo  see  little  children  coming  to  him,  who  takes  them 
with  the  greatest  tenderness  into  the  armi  of  his  mercj, 
and  into  the  bosom  of  his  love,  and  delights  to  bless 
them  and  make  them  happy  forever  ;  who,  for  the  sake 
of  making  poor  sinners  rich  in  the  inheriiance  of  his 
heavenly  kingdom,  once  condescended  to  become  so 
poor  on  earth,  that  he  had  not  a  place  of  comfortable 
lodii^ing  where  he  might  lay  his  head  to  rest  ;  this  great 
and  gracious  and  blessed  Redeemer,  will  be  your 
Saviour  and  your  friend,  will  provide  in  the  best  man- 
ner for  all  your  wants,  guide  you  in  the  right  way, 
make  all  things  work  for  your  good,  while  you  live  in 
this  world,  and  at  last  when  you  die,  will  receive  you 
lo  behold  his  glory  in  heaven,  and  to  enjoy  with  him 
all  the  rich  and  precious  blessings  of  his  grace  and  love, 
through  all  the  ages  of  eternity. 

Would  you,  in  short,  desire  to  enjoy  the  favour  of 
God  and  men  ;  and  that  it  may  be  well  with  you  both 
now  and  forever.  Let  it  then  be  your  constant  care 
and  endeavour,  to  behave  yourselves  in  all  respects 
suitably  to  the  station  in  which  you  are  here  placed, 
and  as  worthy  of  the  priviledges  whichyoubere  enjoy. 

Observe  carefully  the  rules  and  orders  made  for  the 
,  government  of  your  conduct  while  you  remain  inhabi- 
tants of  this  house. 

Respect,  honor,  and  pray  for,  all  who  have  the  care 
of  you,  and  are  studying  to  make  your  situation  com- 
fortable, and  to  promote  your  present  and  everlasting 
welfare. 

Attend  to  the  good  instructions  of  your  teachers, 
and  especially  to  what  you  may  learn  by  reading  the 


158  AN    ADDRESS,    DELIVERED,    ScC. 

word  of  God,  concerning  your  duty  to  Him,  to  your- 
selves, and  lo  all  around  you. 

Never  let  the  language  of  profane  cursing  and  svTear- 
ing,  of  lying  or  rudeness,  or  any  other  wicked  and 
shameful  words,  be  heard  from  your  lips. 

Live  in  peace,  love,  and  friendship  with  each  other, 
as  it  becomes  the  children  of  one  family,  sharing  to- 
gether in  the  same  goodness  and  mercy  of  the  Lord, 
and  in  the  same  favour  and  bounty  of  the  public,  by 
which  you  have  been  kindly  adopted. 

Andletyoar  humble,  modest,  orderly  conduct,  at  all 
times  and  in  every  place,  shew  that  you  are  evidently 
improved  in  your  dispositions  and  manners,  by  the  ad- 
vantages which  you  enjoy  in  this  happy  habitation  of 
charity,  this  desirable  Asylum  of  the  orphan,  and  of 
the  children  of  want  and  affliction. 

Remember  and  do  these  things  ;  And  may  that  gracious 
God,  who  is  the  Father  of  the  fatherless,  and  who  de- 
livereth  the  poor,  and  setteth  them  on  high  from  afflic- 
tion, be  pleased  to  bless  you,  and  to  keep  you,  and  to 
make  you  truly  good,  useful  and  happy  in  this  life  ;  and 
to  grant,  that  though  you  should  continue  among  the 
poor  of  this  world,  you  may  become  rich  in  faith,  and 
heirs  of  the  heavenly  kingdom,  which  he  has  promised 
to  them  that  love  him. 


l-HE    HOUSE    OF    THE    LORD    FILLED    WITH    HIS    GLORY* 


tT'^4 


A  SERMON, 


SELIVEREB 
ON    THE    OCCASION    OF    OPENING    FOR    PUBLIC    WORSHI?^ 

THE  NEW  CIRCULAR  EDIFICE, 

ON    MEETING     STREET, 

BUILT  FOR  THE  SERVICE  OF  GOD 

BY    THB 

INDEPENDENT,  OR  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH,  IN 

CHARLESTON     S.    CAROLINA. 

ON     THB      lord's     DAT,     IN     THE      AFTERNDOWj 
MAY   35,  1806. 


Charleston,  May  26th,  1806.  At  a  church  meeting  this  dav  held 
in  the  Circular  (.'hurch,  on  Meeting  Street.  On  motion  seconded,  it 
was  resolved,  that  the  thanks  of  the  Church  be  presented  to  the  two 
Pastors,  the  Rev.  Doctors  Hollinshead  and  Keith,  for  their  suitable  dis- 
courses, delivered  yesterday  on  the  opening  of  this  circular  new  build- 
ing. And  that  they  be  requested  to  furnish  copies  of  the  same,  in  ordei' 
that  they  may  be  printed  ;  and  that  they  also  be  requested  to  prepare  an 
historic  sketch  of  the  Church,  from  its  origin  to  the  present  time,  to  be 
prefixed  to  them  ;  and  also  historical  sketches  of  all  its  Ministers,  as  far 
as  the  same  can  be  obtained  from  our  elder  Members,  and  other  sources 
of  authentic  information. 

GEORGE  SMITH,  Sec'y. 
Extract  from  the  Minutes. 

Neither  of  these  Discourses  was  published,  (fhough  the  one  which 
follows,  was  prepared  for  the  press  by  its  Author)  as  the  "  historical 
sketches"  requested,  were  not  furnished  to  accompany  them.  This  la- 
bour has  since  been  performed  by  the  late  dr  david  ramsay,  one 
of  the  most  intelligent,  active  and  useful  members  of  this  Church  and 
Congregation,  whose  talents,  information,  and  industry,  qualified  hiia 
eminently  to  execute  such  a  work.    Editor. 


SERMON. 


HAGGAI    II.    i. 

AND     I    -Wn.L    SHAKE     ALL    NATIONS,    AND    THE    BESlRE    OF    AtL 

NATIONS    SHALL    COME  :   AND    I    WILL     FILL    THIS    HOUSE 

WITH    GLORY,   SAITH    THE    LORD    OF    HOSTS. 

J-  o  see  the  house  in  which  we  are  now  assembled, 
filled  with  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  would  certainly  fill 
the  heart  of  every  genuine  worshipper  in  it,  with  amosi 
peculiar  joy. 

For  this  every  friend  of  Zion  among  us,  may  well  be 
expected,  humbly  and  devoutly  to  pray.  And  if  their 
prayers,  in  respect  to  this,  should  be  graciously  an- 
swered, they  would  doubtless  consider  themselves  as 
favoured  with  the  most  desirable  ground  for  fervent 
thanksgiving  and  praise.  Without  this,  indeed,  the 
most  commodious,  elegant,  and  magnificent  edifice, 
erected  for  the  worship  of  God,  would  remain  destitute 
of  that  distinction,  which  would  constitute  its  highest 
honor,  its  only  real  value  ;  while  the  simplest  struc- 
ture, thus  distinguished,  would  be  truly  honorable  and 
amiable  in  the  view  of  all  who  prefer  the  tokens  of  the 
Lord's  presence  and  favour,  to  the  most  admired  display 
of  human  art,  or  of  worldly  pomp  and  splendour. 

In  the  earlier  ages  of  the  world,  it  does   not  appear, 

that  the  Lord  had  any  other  temples  prepared  for  his 

worship,  than  the  pure  and  pious  hearts  of  those  whom 

his  own  grace  had  prepared  "  to  worship  him  in  spirit 
21 


162  SERMON    DELITFRED    AT    THl. 

and  in  truth  ;"  and  their  sacrifices,  prayers,  and  praises, 
\rere  offered  to  him  in  the  open  air  ;  sometin  es  under 
the  refreshing;  shade  of  a  tree*  or  wifhin  the  agreeable 
covert  of  a  srove,  ivhere  the  scene,  naturally  tranquil 
and  solemn,  would  invite  to  the  exercises  of  devotion. 
In  these  circurnstances  was  the  worship  of  God  attend- 
ed by  Adam,  Abel,  Enoch,  Noah,  and  all  the  pious 
fathers,  who  lived  before  the  flood  ;  by  Abraham,  Isaac, 
Jacob,  nni\  his  sons,  the  twelve  patriarchs  ;  and  by  all 
who  walked  with  God,  in  succeeding  ages,  until  the 
lime  of  the  sojourning  of  the  Israelites  in  the  wilder- 
ness, on  their  way  from  Egypt  to  the  promised  land. 
During  that  period,  the  chosen  people  of  God  were 
formed  into  a  more  regular  church  state,  under  the  cer- 
emonial dispensation,  established  by  the  ministry  of 
Moses.  Then  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  order  the  con- 
struction of  a  moveable  Tabernacle,  suited  to  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  people,  while  sojourning  in  tents. 
This  Tabernacle,  in  its  various  parts,  and  with  its  pecu- 
liar furniture,  was  designed  and  adapted  to  represent 
the  present  condition  of  the  church  in  the  world,  as  fa- 
voured with  the  means  of  redemption  and  grace  ;  yet 
continuing  imperfect,  subject  to  many  vicissitudes,  and 
destined  to  pass  through  the  humiliating  scene  of  dis- 
solution in  the  hour  of  death,  to  the  full  perfection  and 
eternal  glory  of  the  heavenly  state. 

Within  this  Tabernacle,  among  other  articles  appro- 
priated to  the  service  of  God,  and  typical  of  spiritual 
things,  the  «acred  Ark,  containing  the  covenant  of  God, 
Tvas  deposited  :  while  above  it  rested  the  cloud  of 
glorv,  which  was  the  striking  and  impressive  symbol  of 
the  Divine  presence,  with  which  it  was  honored.  To 
this,  as  the  chosen  and  consecrated  habitation  of  the 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH.  163 

God  of  Israel,  were  the  people  required  to  resort,  when 
ihey  held  their  solemn  assemblies  ;  and  here  the  prin- 
cipal sacred  services,  which  constituted  their  public 
worship,  were  ordered  to  be  performed. 

After  the  settlerijent  of  Israel  in  the  land  of  Canaan, 
this  venerable  Tabernacle  was,  in  process  of  time,  suc- 
ceeded bj,  and  gave  place  to,  the  celebrated  Temple, 
built  by  Solomon,  about  one  thousand  years  before  the 
Christian  era.  As  this  temple  was  built  according;  to 
a  pattern  s^iven  by  the  Spirit  of  God  to  David,  and  by 
him  delivered  to  his  son  Solomon  ;  as  it  was  construct- 
ed with  the  most  substanlial  and  costly  materials,  and 
finished  wilh  the  most  exquisite  taste  and  workman- 
ship ;  as  it  contained  the  ancient  Tabernacle,  with  all 
its  sacred  furniture,  and  was  distinguished  by  similar 
tokens  of  the  Divine  presence  and  favour  ;  and  as  it 
was  a  type  of  the  incarnate  Redeemer,  it  was  unques- 
tionably the  most  remarkable  and  glorious  edifice,  ever 
erected  by  the  hands  of  men.  This  magnificent  Tem- 
ple, having  stood  about  four  hundred  years,  was  at 
length,  on  account  of  the  sins  of  ihe  people,  given  into 
the  hands  of  their  enemies,  the  Chaldeans  :  b;^  them  it 
was  stripped  of  all  its  splendid  ornaments  and  rich 
treasures,  and  then  reduced  to  a  pile  of  melancholy 
ruins  :  while  the  nation,  whose  pride  and  boast  it  had 
been,  were  led  away  to  sufterthe  calamities  of  a  seven- 
ty years  captivity  in  Babylon. 

On  the  restoration  of  the  Jews,  at  the  end  of  that 
term,  to  their  own  land,  the  rebuilding  of  their  Temple 
was  undertaken  ;  and  in  the  midst  of  many  difficulties, 
and  great  opposition  from  hostile  neighbours,  it  was 
carried  on  during  the  space  of  about  twenty  years,  till 
it  was  at  length  completed,  and  dedicated  to  the  ser- 
Tice  of  God. 


164  SERMON    DELIVERED    AT    THE 

This  second  Temple  was,  in  many  respects,  greatly 
inferior  to  the^rs^  Hence,  when  the  foundation  of 
it  was  laid,  many,  on  this  interesting  occasion,  shouted 
aloud  for  joy  ;  there  were  many,  on  the  other  hand, 
of  the  priests  and  the  Levites,  and  chief  of  the  fathers 
that  were  ancient  men,  and  had  seen  the  first  house, 
"who  wept  with  a  loud  voice,  while  they  perceived  how 
far  this  house  would  probably  fall  short  of  the  former, 
in  beauty  and  grandeur.  Thus  they  discouraged  the 
people,  in  the  arduous  work  which  they  had  begun  ; 
and  it  appears  that  the  building  proceeded  heavily  and 
slowly,  and  was  attended  with  frequent  interruptions^ 
and  much  unnecessary  delay. 

In  these  circumstances  the  prophet  Haggai,  by 
a  Divine  commission,  was  sent  fo  them  for  the  purposes  of 
reproving  their  negligence,  and  animating  them  in  their 
undertaking.  lie  accordingly  reminded  them,  that, 
on  account  of  their  suffering  "  the  house  of  the  Lord 
to  lie  waste,  while  they  dwelt  at  ease  in  their  own  ceil- 
ed houses,"  the  Lord  had  visited  them  wiih  unfavoura- 
ble seasons,  and  blasted  their  hopes  from  the  fruits  of 
the  earth.  Then  with  a  view  to  excite  them  to  resume 
and  prosecute  the  work  wilh  alacrity  and  diligence,  he 
assures  them,  that  in  this  case,  "the  Lord  would  be  with 
them,  as  he  had  been  with  their  forefathers,"  to  pros- 
per and  to  bless  them  ;  and  that  he  would  take  pleasure, 
and  be  glorified,  in  the  house  which  they  should  build. 
To  obviate  the  discouragement  which  they  felt  from 
the  consideration,  that  this  house  must  appear  as  noth- 
ing, in  comparison,  in  the  eyes  of  those  whohad  seen 
the  first  house  in  its  glory,  he  directs  their  views  to  an 
event  in  its  nature,  the  most  important  and  interesting 
that   ever  took  pjace  in  the  world  ;  an  event  which 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH.  165 

would  occur,  during  the  existence  of  this  second  Tem- 
ple, and  which  would  give  a  greater  glory  to  Ihis  latter 
house,  than  any  which  belonged  to  the  former.  For  to 
this  honse,  the  long  expected  Messiah  would  come  r 
even  that  Divine  Saviour,  who  is  described  as  "  th( 
Desire  of  all  nations,"  because  in  hioa  all  the  nation.' 
of  the  earth  were  to  be  blessed,  and  to  him  would  they 
all,  in  due  time,  look  with  ardent  desire,  as  their  conso- 
lation and  hope,  their  salvation  and  glory.  His  coming, 
they  are  encouraged  to  expect,  "  in  a  little  while  ;" 
within  a  short  space  of  time,  compared  with  the  years 
that  had  passed  ;  the  centuries  that  had  rolled  away, 
since  the  first  promise  of  salvation  in  him  to  fallen  man. 
In  this  view,  soon  would  that  "  shaking  of  the  heavens 
and  the  earth,  the  sea  and  the  dry  land,  and  of  all  the 
nations,"  take  place,  which  signified  those  great  politi- 
cal convulsions  and  revolutions  that  would  terminate  in 
the  extension  and  establiishment  of  the  Koman  empire 
over  the  principal  nations,  commonly  called  the  whole 
world  ;  and  more  especially,  that  great  change  in  the 
Jewish  church  and  state,  which  would  include  the  ab- 
rogation of  their  ritual  law,  and  the  introduction  of  the 
Christian  dispensation,  that  was  to  endure  to  the  end  of 
the  world.  Then,  in  the  fulness  of  the  time  appoint- 
ed, and  in  the  circumstances  ordained  to  attend  his  ap- 
pearance in  the  world,  the  Messiah  would  come  to  this 
second  Temple,  and  by  his  presence,  fill  that  house 
with  a  glory  far  surpassing  all  the  external  magnificence 
and  splendour,  by  which  the  first  Temple  was  distin- 
guished. 

This  promise,  made  more  than  five  hundred  years  be- 
fore the  coming  of  Christ  in  the  flesh,  was  in  its  time 
fulfilled  ;  when, as  the  Apostle  testifies,  "  The  Word  was 


166  SERMON    DELIVERED    AT    THE 

made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us,  and  we  beheld  his  glo- 
ry, the  glory  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Fatuer,  lull  of 
grace  and  truth."  Then  was  this  promise  redlized  in 
that  house,  which  was  not  long  afterwards  compieiely 
destroyed  and  laid  waste,  together  with  the  city  ot  Je- 
rusalem, in  which  it  stood.  Then  did  the  sceptre  of 
government  totally  depart  from  J«idah,  and  the  Jew- 
ish nation,  divested  of  the  high  honor  and  ©acreu  privi- 
leges, which  belong  to  the  church  of  God,  were  scatter- 
ed abroad  among  all  the  other  nations  of  the  earth  ;  and 
in  all  places  of  their  dispersion,  they  have,  for  more  than 
seventeen  centuries,  continued  under  those  awful 
frowns  of  heaven,  which  visibly  and  strongly  mark 
their  peculiar  guilt,  in  rejecting  their  Messiah,  and  cru- 
cifying the  Saviour  of  the  world  ;  and  from  which  they 
will  not  be  delivered,  "  till  they  shall  return  and  seek  the 
Lord  and  David  their  king,  and  shall  fear  the  Lord  and 
his  goodness  in  the  latter  days.'' 

Since  that  memorable  period,  the  Temple  of  the 
Lord  has  been  in  every  place,  where  the  exalted  Re- 
deemer, for  whom  the  pious  formerly  "  waited,  as  the 
consolation  and  glory  of  Israel,"  and  who  was  *'  set  to 
be  a  light  of  the  Gentiles,  that  he  might  be  for  salva* 
lion  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,"  finds  any  number,  even 
two  or  three  of  the  church,  which  he  has  bought  with 
bis  blood,  gathered  together  in  his  name,  for  the  pur- 
poses of  waiting  upon  him  in  the  ordinances  of  his 
grace,  and  of  offering  the  homage  of  their  worship,  to 
God  in  him,  according  to  the  rules  of  his  word. 

Considering  then  the  promise  in  our  teyii,  in  the  true 
spirit  of  it,  as  applicable  to  every  place  in  which  the 
disciples  and  friends  of  Christ  are  assembled,  and  en- 
gaged in  the  exercisei  of  Christian  worship ;  may  we 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH.  167 

not  now  cherish  the  pleasing,  animating  hope,  that  Ihis 
house,  which  we  have  prepared  for  the  worship  of  our 
God  and  Saviour,  and  which  we  are  this  day  dedicat- 
ing to  his  holy  service,  may  he  filled  with  his  glory  7 

The  observations  which  have  been  already  suggest- 
ed, will  lead  us  to  consider  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  as 
constitutina;  the  clory  wi»h  which  we  should  desire  to 
see  the  house  of  his  worship  filled. 

That  onr  desire  of  seeing  this,  may  be  the  more  ra- 
tional, pure,  and  animated,  by  being  directed  to  its 
proper  object  :  I  shall  now  endeavour  to  shew, 

I.  What  we  are  to  understand  by  the  presence  of 
the  Lord,  in  <he  house  or  place  where  he  is  worshipped* 

II.  Tn  what  respects  the  presence  of  the  Lord  may 
be  expected  to  fill  the  house  or  place  of  his  worship 
with  glory. 

L  What  we  are  to  understand  by  the  presence  of 
the  Lord  in  the  house  or  place  where  he  is  worshipped. 

The  presence  of  the  Lord  is  indeed  every  where  | 
and  there  is  no  place  in  which  his  glory  is  not  display- 
ed, or  may  not  be  perceived  by  the  eye  of  reason  or  of 
faith.  "Ami  a  God  at  hand,  and  not  afar  off?  Can 
any  hide  himself  in  secret  places,  that  I  shall  not  see 
bim  T  saifh  the  Lord.  Do  1  not  fill  heaven  and  earth? 
saith  the  Lord.""^  Impressed  with  this  grand  and  aw- 
ful truth,  the  P:<almist  exclaims,  <*  Whither  shall  I  go 
from  thy  Spirit  ;  or  whither  shall  I  flee  from  thy  pres- 
ence ?  If  I  ascend  into  heaven,  thou  art  there  !  If  I 
make  ray  bed  in  hell,  behold  thou  art  there  !  If  I  take 
the  wings  of  the  morning,  and  dwell  in  the  uttermost 
parts  of  the  earth,  even  there  shall  thine  hand  lead  me^ 
and  thy  right  hand  shall  hold  me.^f 

•  Jer.  xxiii.  23,  34  t  Pt4m  ©xxxix.  T^IO. 


168  SERMON    DELIVERED    AT    THE 

These  things  are  spoken  of  the  essential,  universal 
presence  of  Jehovah. 

But  the  subject  of  our  present  meditations,  leads  us 
to  consider  rather  his  special  presence,  or  the  peculiar 
manifestations  of  himself,  which  he  grants  to  those 
whom  he  condescends  to  favour  and  to  bless.  The 
presence  of  the  Lord,  in  this  sense,  constitutes  the 
heavenly  state  of  glory  and  felicity,  in  which  Daniel  saw, 
in  prophetic  vision,  an  innumerable  multitude  of  holy 
and  happy  spirits  ministering  to  the  Lord,  and  ten 
thousand  times  ten  thousand,  standing  before  him.* 
And  of  this  David  speaks,  in  language  the  most  ani- 
mated and  expressive,  when  he  says,  "  In  thy  presence, 
is  fulness  of  joy  ;  at  thy  right  hand  are  pleasures  for- 
ever more."! 

The  presence  of  the  Lord,  in  this  sense,  is  not  how- 
ever confined  to  heaven.  It  is  vouchsafed  also  to  his 
people  on  earth.  "  For  thus  saith  the  high  and  lofty 
One,  who  inhabiteth  eternity,  and  whose  name  is  Holy  : 
I  dwell  in  the  high  and  holy  place  ;  with  him  also,  that 
is  of  a  contrite  and  humble  spirit,  to  revive  the 
spirit  of  the  humble,  and  to  revive  the  heart  of  the 
contrite  ones. "J  To  the  same  purpose  his  word  as- 
sures us,  that  he  draws  nigh  to  them  who  draw  nigh  to 
him. II  And  the  experience  of  the  pious,  co-incides  with 
his  word,  in  pronouncing  the  persons  blessed,  whom 
the  Lord  chooses  and  causes  to  approach  unto  him, 
that  they  may  dwell  in  his  courts,  or  wait  upon  him  in 
the  ordinances  of  his  worship. §  In  this  view,  also,  he 
has  graciously  promised  to  his  people,  saying,  *'  In  all 

*  Dan.  yii.  10.         t  Psalm  xvi.  tl.        :j:  Isai.  Ivii.  15        |j  /am.  iv.  5^ 
$  Psalm  Ixv. 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH.  169 

places  where  I  record  my  name,"  or  where  he  appoints 
his  worship  to  be  attended,  "  1  will  come  unto  thee, 
and  bless  <hee."* 

Now  it  is  to  this  manifestation  of  the  special,  gra- 
cious presence  of  the  Lord,  by  which  he  comes  to  his 
people,  in  the  communicalion  of  the  blessings  of  his  fa- 
Toiir,  that  our  views  are  to  be  directed,  when  we  con- 
template his  presence,  as  filling  his  house,  or  the  place 
of  his  worship,  with  glory.  And  the  spirit  of  our  ies^t 
leads  us  to  regard  (he  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  second 
person  in  the  adorable  Trinity,  as  being,  in  a  peculiar 
sense,  the  Lord,  who  thus  comes  to  the  house  or  place 
where  his  church  assemble,  for  the  purposes  of  relig- 
ious worship.  As  in  Christ  all  the  fulness  of  the  God- 
head dwells  bodily  ;f  so  it  is  in  his  person,  and  through, 
his  mediation,  that  all  the  gracious  manifestations  of 
God  are  made  to  fallen  man.  And  it  is  by  the  commu- 
nication of  the  Holy  Spirit,  sent  by  the  Fafher  in  the 
name  of  Christ,  that  the  Divine  presence  is  thus  grant- 
ed to  those  who  are  favoured  with  it.  It  was  accord- 
ingly to  this  pre->ence  o^  Christ  the  Lord,  that  the  faith 
and  hope  of  the  Jews  were  directed  in  our  ie\i,  when  it 
was  promised,  that  the  Temple  which  they  were  then 
building,  should  be  filled  with  his  glory.  Conformably 
to  this  idea,  it  is  of  those  who  constitute  his  church, 
which  he  came  to  redeem  and  sanctify,  to  establish  and 
to  build  up  in  the  world,  that  Christ  himself  speaks,  when 
he  says,  "  Wherever  two  or  three  are  gathered  to- 
gether in  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them  :" 
and  when,  oq  another  o  casion,  t )  his  chosen  minister*?, 
whom  he  gave  to  his  church  for  its  edification,  he  de- 
livered   that    most    comprehensive    and    encouraging 

*  Exod.  XX.  24.  +  Col.  iL  y. 

23 


170  SERMON    DELIVERED    AT    THE 

promise,  saying,  "  Lo  !  /  am  with ;}  ou  always,  even 
unto  the  end  of  the  world. "^ 

How  much  is  it  to  be  desired,  that  this  glorious 
Lord  and  Saviour  of  the  church,  may  be  graciously- 
present  with  us,  whenever  we  come  together,  with  the 
pious  design  of  joining  in  the  exercises  of  Divine  wor- 
ship in  this  house  ! 

And  if  there  be  found  among  us,  a  number  of  real  be- 
lievers, although  not  exceeding  two  or  three,  who,  on 
the  occasions  of  their  assembling  here,  sincerely  and 
earnestly  desire  to  be  thus  favoured  with  the  presence 
of  their  Lord,  they  may  with  humble  confidence  ex- 
pect, that  he  will  come,  and  fill  this  house  with  his  glo- 
ry. 

Let  us  now  proceed  to  consider, 

II.  In  what  respects  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  may 
be  expected  to  fill  the  house  of  his  worship  with  glory. 

The  presence  of  the  Lord  fills  the  house  of  his  wor- 
ship with  glory, 

I.  As  in  the  enjoyment  of  his  presence  his  worship- 
pers are  led  to  behold  and  contemplate,  with  peculiar 
satisfaction,  the  glory  of  his  infinite  perfections,  dis- 
played in  the  salvation  of  fallen  man. 

To  those  who  are  prepared  to  "  worship  the  Father 
in  Spirit  and  in  truth,"  the  infinite  excellencies  of  the 
Divine  Nature  are  manifested  through  Jesus  Christ,  in 
a  manner  the  most  pleasing  and  attractive. 

The  Son  of  God,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  is  "  the 
brightness  of  the  Father's  glory,  and  the  express  image 
of  his  person."!  Being  one  with  the  Father  and  the 
Holy  Spirit,  he  possesses  equally  every  perfection 
and  glory  of  Deity.     Hence  it  is  said,  that  "  the  name 

•  Mat-  XTiii.  20  j  Mat.  xxviii,  20.  f  Heb.  i.  3. 


OPENING     OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH.  171 

of  God  is  in  him  ;"=^  and  he  is  called  the  blessed  and 
only  Potentate,  the  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords." 
He  is  declared,  also,  to  be  "  God  over  all,  blessed  for- 
ever."t 

But  in  his  person,  the  nature  of  man,  in  order  to  the 
accomplishment  of  the  great  work  of  man's  redemption, 
was  assumed  into  a  most  mysterious  and  wonderful 
union  wi(h  the  nature  of  God  ;  and  in  Him  the  bright 
perfections  of  Deity  are  presented  to  our  minds  through 
the  softening  reil  of  humanity,  so  blended,  as  it  were 
with  the  created  excellencies  of  human  nature,  that  in 
Him  we  may  contemplate  the  glory  of  God,  not  only 
without  being  overwhelmed  with  the  view,  but  with  the 
sweetest  and  highest  satisfaction  of  soul.  As  his  name 
is  called  Immanuel,  because  he  is  **  God  with  us," 
even  "  God  manifest  in  the  flesh  :"  so  "  they  who  see 
him,"  with  the  eye  of  faith,  "  see  the  Father  also." J 
They  see  the  Father,  not  in  his  absolute  character  of  in- 
finite power,  holiness,  justice  and  truth,  appearing  as  *'  a 
consuming  fire,"  to  the  guilty  sons  of  men  ;  but  as  "  the 
Father  of  mercies,  and  the  God  of  all  grace  ;"  as  the 
God  whose  nature  is  "  Love." 

While  in  Christ  they  behold  the  mercy  and  truth  of 
God  met  together,  and  righteousness  and  peace  embrac- 
ing each  other,||  in  the  great  design  of  recovering  fallen 
man  from  sin  and  condemnation,  to  holiness  and  peace 
with  God  ;  while  in  this  adorable  Mediator  of  the  new 
covenant,  they  behold  the  amazing  condescensions  and 
displays  of  love,  of  love  Divine,  of  love  surpassing  all 
expression,    and    exceeding  all  comprehension  ;  love 

*  Exod.  xxiii.  21.        f  1  Tim.  6.  15  ;  Rom.  ix.  5.  ^  John  xiv.  9. 

II  Psalm  Ixxxv.  10. 


172  SERMON    DELITEBED    AT    THE 

providing  a  sacrifice  of  infinite  value  and  efficacy  for 
the  expiation  of  human  guilt,  and  the  satisfaction  of 
Divine  jusfice;  love  reconciling  sinners,  chargeable 
with  the  most  iinprovoked  rebellion,  and  the  most  pro- 
voking criaies,  to  their  offended  Creator  and  Sover- 
eign ;  love,  fiom  eternity  embracing  the  most  unworthy, 
and  raising  the  most  vile  and  wretched  from  the  depths 
of  pollution  and  misery,  and  the  borders  of  hell  and 
despair,  to  the  high  privileges  of  the  sons  of  God,  on 
earth,  and  to  thrones  of  glory,  in  his  presence,  in  Heav- 
en ;  I  hey  are,  b}^  the  constraining  influence  of  this  great 
and  wonderful  love  of  God,  led  to  say  wilh  the  Apos- 
tle, surely  "God  is  love. "^  And  when  the  Son  of 
God,  in  whom  the  love  of  God  thus  shines,  in  all  its  own 
attractive  splendours,  vouchsafes,  according  to  his 
pjomise,  to  be  in  the  midst  of  those  who  are  met  to- 
gether in  his  name,  for  the  purposes  of  religious  wor- 
ship, he  fills  the  place  in  which  they  are  assembled 
with  glory,  by  a  most  pleasing  display  of  the  glory  of 
God,  which  thus  shines  in  his  face.  Hence  they  are  led 
to  pronounce  a  day  in  his  courts,  where  he  thus  manifests 
himself,  to  those  who  humbly  and  devoutly  wait  upon 
bim,  better  than  a  thousand  spent  in  the  ordinary  occu- 
pations and  enjoyments  of  life. 

n.  The  presence  of  the  Lord  fills  his  house  with  glo- 
ry, as  it  gives  efficacy  and  success  to  the  means  of 
grace  dispensed  in  it,  by  which  his  name  is  eminently 
glorified. 

When  a  house  is  built  for  the  Lord,  and  dedicated 
to  him,  it  is  to  be  considered  as  solemnly  set  apart 
to  the  special  purpose  of  accomroodatins:  his  worship- 
pers  in   their  attendance    upon   the    ordinances  of  his 

•  John  ir.  8. 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH.  ITS 

grace,  and  those  exercises  of  devotion,  which  he  has 
appoinled,  as  (he  necessary  and  the  best  means  for  pro- 
moting the  salvation  of  sinners,  and  the  edification  of 
his  people.  And  if  in  compliance  with  this  sacred  and 
important  design,  it  be  religiously  improved,  and  the 
worship  of  God  be  devoutly  attended  in  it,  and  faith- 
fully maintained  on  the  principles,  and  according  to  the 
rules,  of  his  word,  it  may  then,  with  propriety,  be  call- 
ed, The  House  of  the  Lord  ;  and  he  will  assuredly 
honor  it  with  his  presence,  and  the  manifestations  of  his 
glory. 

In  such  an  house  "  he  records  his  name,"  while 
there  he  appoints  those  ordinances  to  be  observed, 
which  bear  witness  to  their  Divine  Author,  especially, 
as  they  display  the  greatness  of  his  love,  and  the  riches 
of  his  grace  ;  and  to  those,  who  in  the  place  where  his 
name  is  thus  recorded,  humbly  wait  upon  him  in  the  ex»T- 
cise  of  faith  and  hope,  and  with  the  temper  of  love  and 
obedience,  he  will  come  and  bless  them.  This  he 
will  do  by  the  communication  of  his  Spirit,  to  make 
these  ordinances  effectual  to  the  promotion  of  their 
present  spiritual  improvement,  and  of  their  future  ever- 
lasting happiness.  Thus  will  they  be  most  essentially 
benefitted,  and  his  name  be  eminently  glorified. 

The  House  of  the  Lord  is  designed  to  be  an  *'  House 
of  prayer  for  all  people. ""^  There  his  worshippers 
are  allowed  and  called  "  by  prayer  and  supplication, 
with  thanksgivings,  to  make  known  their  requests," 
for  themselves  and  each  other,  and  for  all  men.  And 
when  the  Lord  is  present  in  his  house,  he  pours  out 
upon  those  who  humbly  and  devoutly  wait  upon  him, 
"  the  Spirit  of  grace   and   supplications."!     And  to 

^  Isaiah  Ivi.  7.  f  Zech.  xii,  1«. 


174  SERMON    DELIVERED    AT    THE 

their  prayers,  thus  inspired  by  bis  Spirit,  offered  up 
according  to  the  direcfions  of  bis  word,  through  the 
mediation  of  hli^  Son,  "  Ee  who  heareth  prayer,"  will 
vouchsafe  a  li^jfening  ear  ;  and  in  answering  the  prayer 
cf  faith,  he  will  shew  himself  "  able  and  willing  to  do 
exceeding  abiindanlly,  above  all  that  they  can  ask  or 
think, "^  There»  also,  offering  their  sacrifices  of.thanks- 
giving  to  his  name,  with  that  affecting  view  of  his  glo- 
rious perfections  and  wonderful  works,  and  of  his  innu- 
merable and  most  precious  benefits,  temporal  and  spir- 
itual, which  they  have  experienced,  or  for  which  they 
are  still  allowed  to  hope,  and  with  that  lively  impres- 
sion of  ^he  manifold,  sacred,  and  tender  obligations  by 
which  they  are  bound,  He  graciously  regards  and  ac- 
cepts of  "  those  offerings  of  their  praise,  as  glorifying 
him,"  and  he  gives  them  more  clear,  enlarged,  elevated 
and  delightful  views  of  the  glories  which  compose  his 
great  name,  of  the  excellencies  of  his  character,  of  the 
works  and  benefits  of  his  hand  ;  and  of  that  peculiar 
"  goodness  of  his  House,  which  eminently  constitutes 
the  glory  with  which  he  fills  the  place  of  his  worship, 
and  in  which  his  sincere  worshippers  rejoice  with  the 
highest  satisfaction  and  delight. 

^Another  object  for  which  we  are  to  assemble  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  is  to  attend  on  the  ministry  of  his 
word.  The  word  of  the  Lord,  contained  in  the  sacred 
volumes  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  was  originally 
spoken  and  written  "  by  holy  men,  as  they  were  mov- 
ed by  the  Holy  Ghost  ;"  and  "  the  sacred  Scriptures, 
thus  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  are  able,  are  designed 
and  adapted,  to  make  men  wise  unto  salvation,  through 
faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  and  to  be  profitable  for 

*  Ephes.  iii.  20. 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH.  1?5 

doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in 
righteousness ;  that  the  people  of  God  may  be  thorough- 
ly furnished  unto  all  good  works."*  But  that  the 
Scriptures,  may  the  better  serve  these  important  pur- 
poses, the  Lord,  in  his  infinite  wisdom  and  grace,  has 
set  apart  in  his  church,  an  order  of  men,  under  the 
character  of  his  ministers,  to  preach  the  word,  to  declare 
and  explain  the  truths  contained  in  it,  and  to  present 
them  in  the  most  impressive  and  persuasive  ^  man- 
ner, to  the  minds  of  their  hearers.  When  he  thus  com- 
mits the  ministry  of  the  word  to  those  whom  he  has 
chosen,  called  and  qualified  by  his  grace  to  be  his  am- 
bassadors ;  he  may  be  expected  to  furnish  them  from 
time  to  time  with  a  "  supply  of  his  Spirit,'^  propor- 
tioned to  their  work  and  their  wants  ;  and  having  "  this 
sufficiency  derived  from  God,  who  makes  them  able 
ministers  of  the  New  Testament,  they  are  prepared  to 
fulfil  their  sacred  trust,  and  arduous  office,  so  as  "  to 
save  themselves  and  those  who  hear  them."f 

And  when,  with  the  spirit  of  wisdom,  fidelity,  2eal> 
and  tenderness,  becoming  their  office  and  station  in  the 
church,  they  "  rightly  divide  the  word  of  truth,  keep- 
ingbacknothingthat  may  beprofitableto  their  hearers  j" 
then  is  the  hand  of  the  Lord  usually  seen  to  be  "  with 
them  ;"  and  his  Spirit  working  by  the  word,  makes  it 
visibly  "  the  power  of  God  to  salvation,"  to  some,  at 
least,  of  those  who  hear  it,  and  happily  conducive,  in 
the  case  of  those  who  thus  feel  its  saving  power,  to 
their  advancement  in  the  life  of  grace,  in  the  knowl- 
edge of  their  Lord  and  Saviour,  and  conformity  to  his 
example,  and  in  the  faith,  the  hope,  and  the  consola- 
tions of  his  gospel.     In  these  admirable  and  excellent 

•  2  Tim.  iii.  13^17.  f  2  Cor.  iii.  5,  6  ;  1  Tim,  h.  16. 


}T6  SERMON    DELITERED    AT    THE 

effects  of  the  ministry  of  his  word,  honored  with  his 
special  presence  and  blessing,  how  pleasing  and  desira- 
ble are  the  displays  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  with 
which  he  fills  the  Temple  of  his  grace  ! 

And  when,  to  the  preaching  of  the  word,  is  added 
the  administration  of  those  holy  ordinances,  Baptism 
and  the  Lord's  Supper,  which  our  Lord  has  instituted, 
as  the  external  sacred  seals  of  the  covenant  of  which 
he  is  the  blessed  Mediator  ;  as  the  solemn  memorials 
of  his  everlasting  love,  and  of  the  eternal  redemption 
procured  by  his  death,  and  as  the  affecting,  assuring 
pledges  of  his  constant,  gracious  presence  with  "  his 
church,  which  he  has  bought  with  his  blood,"  which 
he  sanctifies  by  his  Spirit,  and  which,  by  his  ordinan- 
ces'in  his  earthly  sanctuary,  he  prepares  and  trains  up 
for  the  inheritance  and  enjoyment  of  his  everlasting 
kingdom  of  glory  ;  how  interesting  and  delightful  are 
the  displays  of  his  glory,  which  we  are  called  to  con- 
template, in  these  institutions  of  his  house!  And  how^ 
ardent  should  be  the  desires,  and  how  high  the  satis- 
faction, of  his  people,  to  see  his  power  and  glory,  thus 
displayed  in  the  sanctuary  of  their  Saviour  and  their 
God  ! 

IIL  The  presence  of  the  Lord  fills  the  house  or 
place  of  his  worship  with  glory,  as  it  affords, in  the  ex- 
ercises of  his  worship,  a  delightful  foretaste  and  antici- 
pation of  the  glory  of  the  heavenly  state. 

A  Christian  assembly  seriously  and  devoutly  em- 
ployed in  the  proper  business  of  the  sanctuary,  exhib- 
its perhaps  the  best  image  of  heaven,  that  can  be  pre- 
sented to  our  view  on  earth.  Gathered  together,  in 
the  name  of  their  Lord,  and  favoured  with  hi?  special 
presence,  while  his  Spirit  descends  upon  ihem,  to  ena- 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH,  Iff 

ble  them  to  perform  the  holy  services  in  which  they 
are  engaged  with  united  hearls,  and  with  devout  and 
fervent  affections,  they  make  a  near  and  delightful  ap- 
proach to  God,  and  enter  into  the  spirit  of  the  worship 
and  the  joys  of  the  church  triumphant  in  heaven. 

When  the  Lord,  by  an  abundant  supply  of  his  Spirit, 
richly  furnishes  his  ministers  with  grace  and  gifts,  so 
that  they  appear  to  be  themselves  clothed  with  righte- 
ousness and  salvation,  while  proclaiming  salvation  in 
the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  to  their  fellow-men  ;  we  are 
led  by  this  view  of  his  ambassadors,  acting  by  his  au- 
thority and  pleading  in  his  name,  to  contemplate  the 
Redeemer  himself,  as  from  his  heavenly  throne,  send- 
ing his  angels  to  testify  of  his  glory,  and  of  his  grace  to 
the  churches,  and  condescending  to  persuade  those 
who  hear  the  \oice  of  his  mercy  and  love,  to  come  unto 
him,  that  they  may  have  life,  and  every  one  that  is  a 
thirst,  and  that  is  willing  to  come  and  take  of  the  waters 
of  life  freely. 

Does  the  gospel,  preached  in  its  purity,  come  to 
those  to  whom  it  is  sent,  *' not  in  word  only,  but  in 
power,"  so  that  through  the  Holy  Ghost  it  proves  ef- 
fectual to  awaken  those  who  were  before  sleeping  se- 
curely in  a  state  of  sin  and  condemnation  ?  Do  we,  in 
consequence,  observe  the  anxious  eye,  and  perhaps  the 
starting  tear,  betraying  the  painful  emotions  of  an  heart 
deeply  impressed  with  a  sense  of  guilt,  an  apprehen- 
sion of  danger,  and  a  solicitude  to  learn  the  way  of  sal- 
vation ?  We  then  see  the  hopeful  indications  of  immor- 
tal souls,  excited  to  fly  from  the  wrath  to  come,  and  re- 
solved to  enter  upon,  and  to  pursue,  the  way  which 
leadetb  to  life  ;  and  we  begin  to  feel  a  measure  of  "  the 
joy  that  is  in  heaven  over  every  sinner  that  repentelh." 

2;; 


n'o  SERMON    DELIVERED    AT    THK 

When  we  see  those,  lo  whom  the  gospel,  accompa- 
nied by  the  enlightening,  renovating  enei2;y  of  ihe  Ho- 
ly Spirit,  has  proved  ihe  power  of  God  lo  their  salva- 
tion, manifesting  their  experience  of  this  salvation,  in 
the  humility  and  piety,  the  purity,  righteousnesSf  and 
charily  of  the  christia'«  leniper  and  character  ;  when 
in  the  house  of  the  liord,  especially  we  see  the  spirit 
of  de\o(ion  which  animates  the  truly  pious,  in  the  sweet- 
ly solemn  air  which  sits  on  their  countenances;  when 
we  see  their  eyes  sometimes  nielling  into  ihe  tenderest 
expressions  of  the  gratitude  and  atFection,  which  they 
feel  towards  (he  God  of  their  mercie:^,  and  of  their  sal- 
vation ;  and  of  the  compassion  and  lo\e  for  their  par- 
ticular friends,  and  for  the  multiludes  around  them, 
whom  they  ardenily  desire  tobe  partakers  wirh  them  of 
ihe  same  blessings  of  the  Divine  favour;  and  when  in 
the  face  irradiated  wilh  a  kind  of  heavenly  glory,  of 
which,  like  Moses,  they  are  not  themsehes  aware,  we 
see  the  mild  beamings  of  faith  and  hope,  of  peace  and 
joy.  elevating  Ihe  soul  above  all  the  scenes,  the  cares, 
the  pleasures  of  earth  and  time,  to  that  blessed  world, 
where  with  their  God  and  Sa\  iour,  and  all  the  innumer- 
able coaipany  of  holy  angels,  and  of  the  spirits  of  the 
just  made  perfect,  they  expect  to  ascend  and  dwell, 
and  rejoice  and  triumph  fore\  er  :  when  we  see  these  ap- 
pearances of  the  presence  of  the  Lord  in  the  midst  of 
his  worshipping  people,  and  of  his  Spirit  animating  their 
hearts,  in  the  holy  services  in  which  they  are  engaged 
in  his  house,  and  raising  their  soids  into  a  near  assimi- 
lation to  the  company,  to  the  en)ployments,  and  to  the 
joys  of  hea> en  ;  and  when  we  ourselves  cordially  har- 
monize with  such  worshippers  in  their  heavenly  views 
and  feelings  ;  then  do  we,  in  an  high  degree,  perceive 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH.  179 

the  house  of  our  holj  solemnities  filled  with  the  glory 
of  the  Lord.  Then  are  we,  in  the  desire  and  prospect 
of  joining,  ere  long,  in  the  nobler  worship  in  which  the 
church  is  employed  before  the  throne  in  heaven,  led  to 
rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable,  and  full  of  glory. 

Of  the  place  thus  favoured  with  the  presence,  and 
filled  with  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  we  may  well  say  with 
Jacob,  when  in  di\  ine  vision  he  beheld  a  ladder  set  upon 
the  earth,  and  the  top  of  it  reaching  to  heaven,  and  the 
angels  of  God  ascending  and  descending  on  it  ;  *'How 
awful  is  this  place  !  This  is  none  other  than  the  house  of 
God,  and  this  is  the  sjate  of  heaven  !*'*  Am\  with  the  dis- 
ciples, when  they  beheld  our  Lord  transfigured  before 
them,  and  his  face  did  shine  as  the  sun,  and  his  rai- 
ment was  white  as  the  light,  and  Moses  and  Elias  ap- 
peared talking  with  him,  we  may  say  "  It  is  good  to  be 
here  !"  It  is  good  indeed  to  behold  the  glory  of  our 
Lord  here  :  and  this  should  we  ardently  desire  to  see, 
as  often  as  we  come  up  to  the  house  of  the  Lord  our 
God. 

But  as  here  we  cannot  long  abide,  our  views  and  de- 
sires, by  what  we  here  behold  and  enjoy,  should  be 
raised  to  that  bright  world,  in  which  we  hope  "  to  see 
our  Lord,  as  we  are  seen  of  him,'*  and  with  unspeaka- 
able  triumph  and  transport,  to  behold  his  glory  forever. 


IMPROVEMENT. 

L  Let  us,  with  adoring  hearts,  recollect  and  consid- 
er the  grace  and  love  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who 
has  condescended  to  purchase  and  to  sanctify  to  him- 

*  Genesis  xxviii.  17. 


180  8ERMOX  DELIVERED    AT    THE 

self,  a  church  among  men  ;  and  now  allows  us  to  hope 
Ihat  he  will  fill  Ihis  house,  which  we  have  prepared  for 
Ills  service,  with  his  glory. 

This  adorable  God-man,  in  the  character  of  the  Re- 
deemer of  the  world,  was  announced  lo  our  first  parents, 
immediately  afler  their  unhappy  fall,  in  that  most  gra- 
cious and  comprehensive  promise  ;  "  the  seed  of  the 
woman,  shall  bruise  the  serpent's  head;"  shall  over- 
come Ihe  devil,  destroy  his  works,  and  restore  mulli- 
tudesof  his  miserable  captives,  "  to  the  glorious  liberly 
of  the  children  of  God."  In  this  view,  he  was  promis- 
ed again  and  again  ;  and  slill  more  plainly  and  fully 
fjom  time  to  time,  in  the  days  of  the  patriarchs.  He 
•was  then  exhibited,  in  a  peculiarly  instructive  and  im- 
pressive manner,  in  the  sacrifices  and  types  of  the  Mo- 
saic dispensation.  In  succeeding  times,  his  character, 
his  coming  and  his  works  ;  and  the  blessings  of  his  sal- 
vation were  predicted  by  I  he  prophets,  through  the  in- 
spiration of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  a  light  more  clear,  and 
in  terms  more  explicit,  until  the  Spirit  of  prophesy,  be- 
gan to  assume  Ihe  lanajuage  of  history  itself,  in  speaking 
of  *'  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and  the  glory  that  should 
follow." 

At  length,  in  "the  fulness  of  the  time,"  appointed 
and  foretold.  He,  who  in  the  beginning  was  with  God, 
and  was  God  ;  He  by  whom  all  things  were  made,  and 
by  whom  they  are  upheld  and  governed  ;  He,  who  is 
the  Prince  of  life,  and  the  Lord  of  glory,  came  down 
to  our  earth,  "  in  the  likeness  of  men,  and  in  the  form 
of  a  servant  ;"  yet  "  manifesting  forth  his  glory,  the 
glory  of  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God  !"  He  came 
to  that  second  temple,  to  which  the  promise  was  made, 
that   "  the  glory  of  this   latter  house  should  be  greater 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHtJRCH.  181 

than  that  of  the  former,"  because  it  should  be  filltd 
with  the  glory  of  his  presence,  in  our  naluie.  He 
came  '*  lo  give  ihe  knowledge  of  salvation  to  his  peo- 
ple, by  the  remission  ot  sins,  through  the  tender  mercy 
oi  our  God  ;"  he  came  to  pour  out  his  blood  on  the 
cross,  while  "  he  oftered  himself,  through  the  Eternal 
Spuit,  without  spot  to  God,  that  he  might  purge  our 
conscience  from  dead  works,  to  serve  the  living  God." 
And  having  **  suffered  for  our  sins,  the  Just  for  the  un- 
just," he  rose  for  our  justification,  and  ascended  to  the 
right  hand  of  the  Majesty  on  high,  where  '*  he,  who 
was  dead,  is  now  alive,  and  liveth  forever  more,"  exalt- 
ed as  "  Head  over  all  things  to  the  Church."  The 
(Jhurch  he  so  loved,  as  to  give  himself  for  it  :  this  he 
bought  with  his  own  most  precious  blood,  and  this  he  hon- 
ors with  his  constant,  gracious  presence  ;  while  by  the 
communication  of  his  Spiri*,  he  still  continues  with  his 
ministers  and  his  people  ;  and  especially  comes  to 
them,  and  meets  with  them,  and  favours  them  with  the 
manifestations  of  his  glor}-,  in  everj  place  where  they 
are  assembled  for  his  worship,  sincerely  desirous  of 
drawing  near  to  him,  and  humbly  waiting  for  his  bles- 
sing in  the  ordinances  of  his  gospel. 

Are  there,  in  the  congregation  for  whose  accommoda- 
tion this  house  has  been  built,  a  number  of  those  "  who 
have,  through  the  Divine  Mediator,  access  by  the 
Spirit  to  the  Father,"  as  their  God,  and  the  God  of 
their  salvation,  who  are  now  "  no  more  strangers  and 
foreigners,  but  fellow-citizens  with  the  saints,  and  of 
the  household  of  God!"  who  are  '*  built  upon  the 
foundation  of  the  Apostles  and  Prophets  ;  Jesus  Christ 
himself,  being  the  chief  corner  stone  !"  Of  such  there 
are,  1  doubt  not,  a  precious  number  to  be  found  among 


182  SERMOr?    DELIVERED    AT    THE 

US,  constituting  a  living  branch  of  that  genuine,  holy, 
catholic  church,  which  is  as  old  as  the  first  proaiise  of 
the  Messiah,  maJe  to  fallen  man.  Wilh  humble  confi- 
dence then,  may  we  of  this  church  hope,  that  **  our 
Lord  will  be  with  us,'*  and  that  he  will  fill  wilh  his 
glory,  this  house,  erected  for  his  worship,  and  dedi- 
cated to  his  service. 

"  But  will  God  indeed  dwell  on  earth  ?  Behold  the 
Leaven,  and  the  heaven  of  lieavens  cannot  contain  thee! 
How  much  less  this  house  which  we  have  builded  V* 

Yet  will  he  in  the  condescensions  of  his  grace,  vouch- 
safe to  come  and  meet,  in  this  house,  as  many  as  sin- 
cerely desire  his  presence  here  ;  and  ihese  he  will  bless 
according  to  the  promises  of  his  word. 

Thus  may  he  be  expected  to  distinguish  this  house, 
not  on  account  of  any  beauty,  or  excellence,  or  advan- 
tage belonging  to  the  edifice  itself;  but  because  here 
he  may  be  glorified  ;  while  here  sinners  are  brought  to 
experience  the  enlightening,  saving  power  of  his  gospel ; 
and  while  here,  believers  are,  by  the  culture  of  the  or- 
dinances of  his  grace,  trained  up  fur  future  glory. 

II.  Let  us  be  excited  and  anitnated  to  the  faithful  and 
cheerful  performance  of  the  important  duties  required  of 
us,  as  we  would  hope  to  see  this  house  filled  with  glory. 
Let  us  gratefully  feel  and  acknowledge  our  obligations 
to  the  Lord,  "by  whose  good  hand  upon  us,  we  are 
brought  hitherto,'*  and  are  now  allowed  to  appear  before 
him,  and  to  attend  on  the  exercises  of  his  worship  in  this 
house. 

From  a  small  beginning,  our  church,  under  many 
diflSculties,  has  become  "greatly  increased  in  its  latter 
end." 

The  old  house  of  worship,  lately  removed  from  the 
ground  on  which  this  new  edifice  stands,  within  the  rec- 


OPEIfTNG    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH.  18^ 

ollecfion  of  some  of  jou,  was  of  but  little  more  than 
half  the  size,  to  which  it  was  afterwards  enlarged.  From 
the  con'sregation  worshipping  in  that  first  small  and  sim- 
ple building,  a  considerabk  proportion,  on  account  of  a 
difference  ins  entiment  on  some  points  of  church  govern- 
ment, withdrew  and  formed  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
this  city,  which  has  become  the  numerous  and  respecta- 
ble body,  which  you  see,  under  that  name  at  this  day. 
Yet  the  growth  of  the  original  congregation  which  re- 
mained, required,  in  the  course  of  time,  an  addition  to 
their  first  house,  which  nearly  doubled  its  size.  After 
a  lapse  of  years,  room  was  again  wanting  for  a  still  grow- 
ing people.  The  measure  of  providing  a  second  house 
of  worship,  was  then  adopted,  and  accomplished,  on 
the  principle,  that  the  church,  branched  out  into  two 
congregations,  and  worshipping  in  two  houses,  should 
enjoy,  alternately  and  equally,  the  labours  of  two  pas- 
tors. That  second  house,  neat  and  coaimodious,  was 
also  filled  :  and  soon  again  you  found  a  pressing  de- 
mand, which  has  existed  and  increased  during  some 
years  past,  for  many  seats  beyond  the  number,  which 
both  your  houses  of  worship  could  supply.  To  meet 
this  demand,  and  to  provide,  at  the  same  time,  for  a 
probable,  and  accelerated  increase  of  numbers,  for 
whom  further  additional  room  might  be  required,  it  was 
judged  expedient,  to  -ake  down,  rather  than  fo  enlarge 
again,  your  ancient  building,  and  in  its  place  to  erect  the 
spacious  edifice  in  which  we  are  now  assembled.  This 
edifice,  while  it  exhibits  a  new  and  noble  style  of  archi- 
tecture, and  enriches  our  city  with  an  additional  pleas- 
ing monument  of  taste  and  liberality,  affords  within  its 
capacious  walls,  the  most  convenient  and  desirable  ac- 
commodation for  a  very  large  assembly  of  worshippers- 


184  SERMON    DELIVERED    AT    THE 

Who  that  is  interested  in  the  welfare  of  this  brancli  of 
the  Christian  church,  can  view  this  elegant  and  \alua- 
ble  building,  without  feeling  the  lively  emotions  of  a  pe- 
culiar salisfaclion  and  gratitude,  while  it  is  contemplat- 
ed as  the  Ebenezer,  which  we  have  raised,  testifying 
that  "  hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped  us." 

Let  us  then  here  pause  and  recollect  the  first 
rise,  the  feeble  origin,  the  remarkable  prosperity,  the 
rapid  growth,  the  present  numbers  and  strength  of  this 
church  ;  the  two  commodious  houses  of  worship,  with 
which  we  are  nowpro\ided;  and  all  the  advantages 
for  attending  the  ordinances  of  the  sanctuary,  and  sup- 
porting the  institutions  of  the  2^ospel,  and  transmitting 
its  privileges  and  blessings  to  succeeding  generations, 
which  we  enjoy  under  the  smiles  of  a  beneficent  Provi- 
dence ;  and  let  the  language  of  our  admirins:,  adoring 
hearts  be,  *'  What  shall  we  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all 
his  benefits  ?"  "  Not  unto  us,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us, 
but  unto  thy  name  give  glory,  for  thy  mercy,  and  for 
thy  truth's  sake  !"  "  For  it  is  thou  who  performest  all 
things  for  us." 

Having  thus  obtained  help  of  God,  and  being  thui 
highly  favoured  of  the  Lord  ;  and  thus  encouraged  to 
hope,  that  *'  he  will  still  send  us  help  from  the  sanctua- 
ry, and  strength  out  of  Zion  ;"  let  us  now,  not  reluc- 
tantly, but  with  a  cheerful  zeal,  fulfil  our  engagements 
in  defraying  the  whole  cost  of  this  very  expensive,  but 
most  valuable  building.  Although  the  sum  expended 
upon  it,  greatly  exceeds  our  first  expectations,  yet, 
it  will  not,  I  am  persuaded,  exceed  the  funds  of  this 
church,  united  with  those  pri\ate  resources  of  its  mem- 
bers and  supporters,  which  may,  with  convenience,  be 
applied  to  this  important  object.     Has  there  been  any 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCR,  185 

departure  from  the  principles  of  a  rigid  economj,  in  re- 
spect to  the  dimensions,  the  style,  and  cost  of  (his  edi- 
fice ?  But  in  regard  to  these  circumstances,  has  the 
credit  of  religion,  and  the  lasting  benefit,  as  well  as  the 
present  convenience  of  this  church,  been  consulted  ? 
May  we  not  then,  reasonably  hope,  that  what  has  been 
done  in  this  case,  with  such  worthy  moti\es  and  view?, 
will  not  be  displeasing  to  our  gracious  Lord,  who  loves  a 
cheerful  giver,  anil  delights  in  repaying  what  is  freely 
given  to  him,  with  a  becoming  regard  to  his  glorj^,  and 
zeal  for  the  promotion  of  his  interests  in  the  world  ? 
Did  he  not  highly  commend  the  affectionate  piety  of 
the  woman,  who  poured  upon  himself  the  box  of  prec- 
ious ointment,  uhich  might  nave  been  sold  for  much, 
and  given  to  the  poor  ?  And  by  that  example,  are  we 
not  instructed,  that  them  who  honor  him,  by  devising 
and  doing  liberal  things,  according  to  their  abililies,for 
his  sake  and  the  gospel's,  he  will  also  honor  with  his  ap- 
probalion,  and  with  the  distinguishing  blessings  of  his 
favour?  Are  you  not  also  taught  by  his  word,  that  ihe 
silver  and  the  gold  are  his,  which  you  employ  in  builJ 
ing  an  house  for  him,  and  in  providing  for  his  worship  ; 
in  a  word,  that  all  in  the  heaven  and  in  the  earlh  is  his ; 
that  riches  and  honor  come  of  him  ;  that  he  reigns  over 
all  ;  that  in  his  hand  is  power  and  mig.ht ;  and  that  in 
his  hand  it  is  to  make  great,  and  lo  gi\e  strength  unto 
all  ?  And  do  you  not  also  know,  that  of  all  which  you 
receive  from  him,  you  are  only  stewards,  accountable 
to  him  as  the  Lord  and  owner  of  all,  and  under  every 
obligation  of  duty  and  interest,  to  improve  the  talents, 
with  which  you  are  intrusted,  to  his  glory  ?  Where- 
fore attending  with  reverence   to  these  intimations  of 

his  will,  encourasce   yoursehets  in  the  Lord  your  God  ; 
24 


# 


186  SERMON    BELIVERED    AT    THE 

persuaded,  that  as  it  was  in  your  heart  to  bniid  such  an 
house  to  his  name  ;  so  now,  if  it  be  the  siixere  desire 
of  your  hearts,  that  you  may  see  it  filled  with  his  glory, 
he  will  graciously  accept  and  establish  the  work  of  your 
hands,  and  still  be  wifh  you,  and  bless  and  prosper 
you,  while  you  continue  to  love  his  church,  and  seek 
its  good.  And  for  your  particular  encouragement,  with 
respect  to  this  great  undertaking,  you  may  rest  assured, 
that  the  worldly  substance,  with  which,  from  the  dispo- 
sitions of  a  pious  heart  and  willing  mind,  you  thus  hon- 
or the  Lord,  will  be  munificently  recompensed  to  you, 
in  the  course  of  his  good  providence  ;  perhf^ps,  in  part, 
with  a  visible  and  rich  increase  of  the  good  things  per- 
taining to  this  life  ;  but  move  especially,  in  an  abundant 
supply  of  the  goodness  of  his  bouse  ;  of  the  blessings 
of  his  gospel,  showered  down  upon  your  own  souls,  and 
descending  to  your  children,  and  children's  children, 
for  a  long  time  to  come. 

^o\  satisfied  trlth  the  honor  of  consecrating  a  portion  of 
your  worldly  inl<=rests,  to  the  worthy  design  of  building 
this  house  for  the  service  of  the  Lord,  would  you  now 
see  it  filled  with  his  glory  ?  This  should  doubtless  be 
one  of  the  favourife  desires  of  all  our  hearts  ;  and  for  this 
should  we  earnestly  pray  to  Him,  who  will  be  inquired 
of  by  us,  that  he  may  do  it  for  us  ;  while  he  is  as  will- 
ing, as  he  is  able,  to  do  for  us  in  this  case,  as  in  all 
other  instances,  exceeding  abundantly,  above  all  that 
we  can  ask  or  think. 

To  him  then,  let  onr  fervent,  and  continued  petitions 
be  offered  up,  not  only  in  the  congregation,  but  in  the 
family,  and  the  closet,  that  he  may  condescend  to  be 
present  with  tis,  on  all  the  occasions  of  our  solemnly  as- 
sembling together  in  his  house,  and  favour  us  with  the 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH.  ISf 

desirable  displays  of  his  saving  power,  and  of  his  amiable 
glories,  in  his  sanctuary.  Let  it  be  our  heart's  iie->ire 
and  prayer,  that  here  the  heavenly  doctrines  of  the 
gospel  may  be  preached,  and  its  holy  ordinances  ad- 
ministered, in  their  genuine  purity  and  simplicity  ;  that 
here  an  uninterrupted  succession  of  able  adnisters  of  the 
New  Testament,  not  of  the  letter,  but  of  the  spirit, 
clothed  with  the  mantle,  and  actuated  by  the  princi- 
ples, which  distinguished  those  faithful  and  zealous  ser- 
vants of  the  Lord,  who  have  in  foimer  times  laboured 
in  this  part  of  his  vineyard,  may  here  stand  and  minis- 
ter in  his  sanctuary  ;  and  in  this  golden  candlestick  of 
the  Lord,  appear  as  burning  and  shining  lights,  and 
prove  the  honored  and  happy  instruments  of  turning 
many  sinners  from  darkness,  to  light  ;  from  the  power  of 
satan  to  God  ;  and  of  building  up  believers  on  their 
most  holy  faith,  and  in  their  meetness  for  the  inherit- 
ance of  the  saints  in  light  ;  even  the  incorruptible,  nn- 
defiled,  and  unfading  inheritance,  reserved  for  them  in 
heaven.  Let  us  pray  without  ceasing,  that  here,  one 
generation  after  another,  through  the  word  of  truth,  and 
by  the  spirit  of  grace,  may  be  born  to  God,  and  nour- 
ished and  strengthened  by  the  provisions  of  his  house, 
and  thus  be  prepared  and  trained  up  for  the  glory  and 
felicity  of  Heaven.  Thus  continuing  instant  in  prayer, 
and  still  praying  in  faith,  we  may  then  rejoice  in  the 
assured  hope,  that  the  Lord  will  hear  and  answer  us  in 
mercy  ;  that  he  will  condescend  to  come  and  dwell  in 
this  house,  as  the  place  of  his  rest,  because  he  hath  de- 
sired it  ;  that  his  eyes  will  be  open,  and  his  ears  atten- 
tive, to  the  prayers  that  are  made  in  this  place  ;  and  that 
here  he  will  clothe  his  priests  with  salvation,  and 
abundantly  bless  the  provisions  of  his    sanctuary;  so 


m 


lo8  SERMON    DELIVERED    AT    THE 

that  the  poor,  the  hungry,  waijing  soul,  shall  be  satis- 
fied ivith  brpad,  and  his  saints  be  made  to  shout  aloiid 
for  joj.  But  not  confining  our  \iews  to  ourselves,  let 
115  embrace  in  our  aHTectionate  regards,  the  church  of 
Chrisf ,  in  all  other  places,  and  let  if  be  our  earnest,  con- 
stant prayer,  that  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  may  be 
brought  into  it,  as  the  w-illins  people  of  our  Lord,  in 
the  day  of  his  power.  Then  may  we,  with  a  joyful  hope, 
proportioned  to  the  strength  of  our  faith,  and  the  ardor 
of  our  doslre,  anticipate  the  approaching  happy  day, 
when  the  mountain  of  the  Lord's  house  shall  be  e«tab- 
jished  in  the  top  of  the  mountains,  and  shall  be  exalted 
aboA  e  the  hills,  and  all  nations  shall  (low  into  it.  And 
the  liord  shall  be  unto  his  church  an  everlasting  light, 
and  her  God  her  glory. 

TYould  you,  my  friends,  in  answer  to  your  prayers, 
see  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  and  taste  of  his  goodness  in 
this  house  ?  Here  then  let  your  attendance  upon  the 
worship  of  God,  be  as  regular  and  constant  as  your 
circumstances  will  permit.  When  you  are  under  the 
restraint  of  afiSictive  providences  ;  or  when  your  situa- 
tion will  not  admit  of  your  waiting  upon  the  Lord  in 
his  house,  if  you  at  the  same  time  really  desire  his 
presence  and  favour,  he  will  be  as  a  sanctuary  to  you 
at  home,  or  wherever  you  may  be  in  the  way  of  duty  ; 
and  he  will  bless  you  there,  and  bless  you  even  by  the 
trials  which  prevent  your  improvement  of  the  ordinan- 
ces of  hispublic  worship.  But  when  no  insurmountable 
obstacle  lies  in  your  way,  neverallow  your  attendance  on 
those  services,  in  which  you  are  called  to  appear  be- 
fore him  in  his  house,  to  be  prevented  by  the  indul- 
gence of  a  spirit  of  sloth,  by  an  unhallow  ed  attention  to 
the  affairs  of  this  life  ;  by  the  unseasonable  cutertain-^ 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH,  189 

luenfs  of  the  table  ;  bj  the  intrusion  of  worldly  compa- 
ny ;  or  by  any  dispositions  or  habits  of  a  reluctant 
heart, or  dissipated  mind.  If  you  thus  wilfully  "forsake 
the  assembling  of  yourselves  together,  as  the  manner  of 
some  is,"  you  will  most  assuredly  provoke  the  displeas- 
ure of  your  God,  who  is  particularly  and'  highly  oftend- 
ed  with  tl)ose  who  "  profane  his  sabbaths,  and  des- 
pise his  holy  things."  Your  conduct  in  this  case,  also, 
cannot  fail  to  weaken  the  hands,  and  discourage  the 
hearts,  of  those  who  are  called  \o  preach  to  you,  that 
word  of  the  Lord,  by  which  you  might  be  saved,  but 
within  the  jo^^ful  sound  of  which  you  refuse  to  come. 

Let  it  be  remembered,  that  every  example  of  this 
kind  serves  to  sanction,  and  to  increase,  that  ficy^lect  of 
the  institutions  of  God's  house,  that  profanation  of  the 
sacred  day  of  the  Lord,  and  that  consequent  corrup- 
tion of  noorals,  which  are  already  awfully  prevalent  in 
the  community,  and  will  most  certainly,  sooner  or  later, 
draw  down  uj)on  a  guilty  land,  the  righteous  judgement 
of  heaven.  But  if  you  religiously  "decline  doing  your 
own  pleasuie,  on  the  Lord's  holy  day,  and  call  the 
sabbath  a  delight,  the  holy  of  the  Lord  honorable;" 
if  you  esteem  it  "  good  for  you  to  draw  near  to  God" 
in  his  ordinances,  and  conscientiously  improve  your  op- 
portunities for  "  appearing  before  him"  in  his  sanctua- 
ry :  then  shall  you  know  the  "  blessedness  of  the  man, 
who  keepeth  the  sabbath  from  polluting  it,"  "  and  who 
loves  the  habitation  of  the  Lord's  house,  where  his 
saints  rejoice  in  goodness." 

When  therefore  the  return  of  the  season  of  public 
worship,  and  the  voice,  or  the  examples  of  others 
around  you,  call  upon  you  and  say,  "  Let  us  go  info 
the  house  of  the  Lord  ;"  then  let  your  hearts  cheer- 


190  SETIMON    DELIVERED    AT    THE 

fully  reply,  Lord,  I  corae,  "  for  my  soul  longetli  for 
the  courts  of  the  Lord  ;  and  esteemeth  one  day  enjoy- 
ed in  these,  better  than  a  thousand  spent  elsewhere." 

Parents  and  heads  of  families,  shew  your  esteem  and 
delight  in  the  ordinances  of  the  Lord's  house,  by  resort- 
ing to  them  with  exemplary  consiRRcy  and  devotion  ; 
and  bring  your  children  wilh  you,when  they  are  capable 
of  a  proper  behaviour  here  ;  that  they  may  become  early 
habituated  to  respect  the  institutions  of  the  sanctuary, 
and  that  they  may  be  brought  seasonably  into  the  way 
of  receiving  the  blessingof  the  Lord. 

Children,  be  persuaded  with  willing  minds,  fo  ac- 
company your  parents  and  friends  to  the  house  of  the 
Lord.  For  your  encouragement  in  doing  so,  remem- 
ber, that,  in  the  temple  which  our  Lord  and  Saviour, 
filled  with  his  glory,  when  he  came  in  our  nature,  he 
most  kindly  accepted  the  hosannas  of  little  children  ; 
concerning  whom  he  observed  that  **  out  of  the  moulhs* 
of  babes  and  sucklings  the  Lord  ordaineth  and  perfecteth 
praise  !"  Remember,  aho,  that  the  little  children,  who 
are  brought  to  him  in  faith,  and  who  willingly  come  to 
him,  desirous  of  his  blessing,  he  graciously  receives  into 
the  arms  of  his  mercy  ;  and  kindly  cherishing  them 
in  the  bosom  of  his  love,  as  the  tender  and  favoured 
lambs  of  his  flock,  he  affectionately  blesses  them,  de- 
claring, that  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Let  the  youth  of  our  congregations,  who  are  par- 
ticularly regarded  as  the  rising  hope  of  the  church, 
be  entreated  to  attend  our  solemn  assemblies,  with 
cheerfulness  and  constancy,  watching  attentively  at 
wisdom's  gates,  that  they  may  hear  divine  instruction, 
and  by  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel  preached  to  them, 
they  may  become  "  wise  unto  salvation,  through  faith 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH.  191 

which  is  in  Christ  Jesus."  Would  you,  while  rising 
to  fullness  of  stature,  or  maturity  of  years,  increase  in 
wisdom  and  in  favour  with  God  and  man  ?  Would  you 
be  truly  happy  in  yourselves,  and  aspire  to  the  honor 
of  doing  the  greatest  possible  good  to  others  ?  "  Re- 
member then  your  Creator  in  the  days  of  your  youth,'* 
and  seek  without  delay  an  interest  in  your  Redeemer, 
who  declares,  that  "  they  who  seek  him  early,  shall 
find  him."  Thus,  will  you  become  a. seed  whom  the 
Lord  condescends  visibly  to  bless,  and  be  prepared  to 
shew  forth  his  praise,  and  to  maintain  his  cause  in 
the  world.  "  Your  fathers,  where  are  they  ?  and  the 
phophets,"  or  ministers  of  God,  ''  do  they  live  for- 
ever ?"  Soon,  my  young  friends,  will  your  present  pas- 
tors, like  those  who  have  preceded  them,  "  finish  the 
course  of  their  mortal  lives,  and  the  ministry  which 
they  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  testify  the 
gospel  of  the  grace  of  God."  And  will  you  not,  be- 
fore they  go,  allow  them  the  high  and  peculiar  satis- 
faction, of  seeing  you  added  to  the  church,  among 
"  such  as  shall  be  saved,"  and  such  as  shall  form  some 
of  the  most  precious  jewels  in  their  crown  of  rejoiciHg 
in  the  presence  of  their  Lord,  at  his  coming  ? 

Soon  the  heads  of  your  pious  parents,  if  they  yet 
live,  and  of  other  aged  christian  friends  will  be  laid 
low  under  the  clods  of  the  valley  5  and  their  happy 
spirits,  separated  from  the  family  of  God  on  earthy 
and  removed  from  the  scenes  of  activity  and  useful- 
ness, as  well  as  of  trial,  in  which  they  were  placed 
here,  shall  ascend  to  join  the  holy  and  happy  family 
in  heaven,  where  "  all  their  work  is  praise  and  love,'* 
and  their  recompense  is  the  fullness  of  everlasting  joy, 
in  the  presence  of  the  Lord.     How  powerfully,  how 


192  SERMOIf    DELIVERED    AT    THE 

persuasively,  then,  should  this  consideration  call  upon 
you  to  seek  the  2:>ace  of  God,  by  which  you  may  be 
prepared  to  fill  up  the  places  of  our  fathers,  and 
becorna  the  honored  instruments  of  upholdiuf]^  the 
church,  and  supporting  the  throne  of  your  Redeemer  in 
the  world,  and  of  perpetuating  the  instil utions  of  the 
sanctuary,  and  the  blessings  of  the  gospel,  to  the  gener- 
ations, that  are  to  follow  you  !  Thus  will  you  become 
bright  ornaments  of  the  religion  of  Chrij^t,  and  prove 
rich  blessings  in  your  day,  to  his  church  on  earth. 
Thus,  after  perhaps,  a  lengthened  course  of  service  and 
usefulness,  you  will  become  fifted  for  high  stations  of 
honor  and  joy  in  (he  presence  of  your  Lord  in  heaven. 

Let  the  servants,^  also,  statedly  worshipping  with 
us,  be  exhorted  to  consider,  with  grateful  hearts,  the 
desirable  privileges  with  which  they  are  favoured  in 
Laving  so  large  a  portion  of  this  spacious  building,  as 
well  as  of  our  other  house  of  worship,  appropriated  to 
your  accommodation,  in  attending  upon  the  public 
worship  of  God,  the  common  Father  of  mankind. 
With  him,  as  we  are  assured  by  his  word,  there  is  no 
respect  of  persons,  or  preference  given  in  shewing  his 
mercy  to  the  children  of  men,  on  account  of  their  na- 
tional origin,  or  their  situation  in  life.  With  thank- 
fulness and  diligence  then,  improve  the  advantages 
thus  allowed  you  for  attending  our  religious  assemblies, 
where  you  may  be  instructed  in  "  the  faith  once  de- 
livered to  the  saints,'*  and  become  acquainted  with 
"  the  common  salvation,"  purchased  for  all  believers 
by  the  precious  blood  of  Christ,  and  which  is  equally 
and  moat  freely  offered  to  all,  who  hear  the  joyful 
sound  of  his  gospel  ;  and  where  you   may  hope  to  see 

•  Alluding  to  the  negro  slaves^  who  attend  this  place  of  worship  ia 
large  numbers.    Editor. 


OPENING    OF    THE    NEW    CHURCH.  193' 

the  glorj,  and  experience  the  grace,  of  that  aclorable 
Redeemer  of  the  world,  whose  "  gospel  is  preached 
to  the  poor,"  and  whose  spirit  makes  it  effectual  "  to 
open  the  eyes  of  the  blind,  to  accomplish  the  deliver- 
ance of  the  captives  of  satan,  and  to  restore  the  wretch- 
ed servants  of  sin,  to  the  holj  and  happy  liberty, 
which  is  to  be  found  in  the  service  of  God,  and  with 
which  the  Son  of  God,  the  friend  of  sinners,  makes 
his  redeemed  people  free  indeed.  Considering  then, 
your  obligations,  in  these  respects,  carefully  improve 
the  privileges  which  you  enjoy  in  our  houses  of  wor- 
ship, pray  that  you  may  understand  the  truth  and 
grace  of  the  gospel,  when  you  attend  the  ministrations 
of  it.  Study  to  walk  according  to  it,  in  the  course  of 
a  sober,  righteous  and  godly  life  ;  and  particularly, 
by  continuing,  with  good  will,  and  all  christian  fidelity, 
to  perform  the  services  which  his  word  directs  you  to 
do,  to  those  whoai  his  providence  has  placed  in  author- 
ity over  you,  not  merely  as  done  unto  men,  but  to  the 
Lord.  Thus  learning  and  obeying  the  truth,  as  it  is 
in  Christ,  and  thus  labouring  to  adorn,  in  all  things, 
the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  ;  you  may  comfort 
youriiearts  with  the  assurance  given  you  in  his  word, 
"  that  whatsoever  good  thing  any  man  doth,  the  same 
shall  he  receive,  whether  he  be  bond  or  free.'* 

Let  us  all,  in  a  word,  whether  ministering  in  holy 
things,  or  attending  in  a  private  capacity,  the  business 
of  the  sanctuary  in  this  house,  let  us  all  engage 
with  united  hearts  in  the  holy  services,  to  which  we  ar& 
here  called,  from  one  sabbath  and  season  of  religious 
worship,  to  another  ;  and  in  all  the  commandments  and 
ordinances  of  the  Lord,  let  us  walk  humbly,  cheerful- 
ly, constantly,  and  exemplarily,  that  our  God  and 
25 


194  SER3I0N    DELIVERED,    &C. 

Saviour,  who  walks  in  (he  midst  of  the  golden  candle- 
sticks, inaj  behold  us  with  approbation,  and  that  he 
may  be  in  all  things  glorified  by  us. 

Let  us,  in  the  fear  and  love  of  God,  cultivate  that 
spirit  of  brotherly  love,  of  peace  and  harmony,  which 
should  ever  distinguish  a  christian  society,  meeting  in 
the  same  house  of  the  Lord,  waiting  upon  him  in  the 
same  religious  exercises,  enjoying  the  same  gospel  privi- 
leges, and  cherishing  the  pleasing, animating  hope  of  shar- 
ing the  same  incorruptible,  undefiled,  unfading  inherit- 
ance in  the  kingdom  of  glory.  Such  a  temper  and  con- 
duct will  contribute  most  certainly  and  remarkably, 
to  the  strength,  and  the  growth  of  this  branch  of  the 
church — of  this  department  of  that  holy  family,  of  which 
Christ  onr  Lord  is  the  glorious  head. 

Thus,  united  as  members  of  the  household  of  faith  ; 
thus  by  love  serving  one  another  ;  and  thus  wilh  one 
mind  and  one  mouth  glorifying  God,  even  the  Father 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  honoring  the  Son,  even 
as  we  honor  our  Father,  we  may  rest  assured,  that 
the  God  of  love  and  peace  will  be  with  us,  and  by  an 
abundant  communication  of  the  spirit  of  grace,  will  fill 
this  house  with  glory. 

Beholding  this  glory  of  the  Lord  in  his  sanctuary 
below,  we  shall  be  changed  unto  the  same  image  from 
glory  to  glory,  as  by  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  ;  and  thus 
will  our  preparation  and  meetness  be  advanced  for 
that  bright  and  blessed  world,  where  the  redeemed  are 
before  the  throne  of  God,  and  serve  him  day  and  night 
in  his  temple  ;  and  be  that  sitteth  on  the  throne,  shall 
dwell  among  them,  and  they,  beholding  his  glory,  shall 
be  satisfied  with  bis  likeness,  triumph  in  his  high 
praises,  and  be  filled  with  the  joy  of  their  Lord  for- 
ever.    Amen. 


ADDRESS, 

X-ELIVERED    AT    A    WEEKLY    MEETING, 
OF   THE 

CONGREGATIONAL     SOCIETY     FOR    RELIGIOUS    WORSHIP 
AND    IMPROVEMENT. 

ON    FRIDAY    EVENING,    NOVEMBER   22(1,  1811. 


It  is  with  peculiar  satisfaction,  ray  worthy 
friends,  that  I  have  witnessed  the  recent  establishment, 
and  the  promising  progress,  of  this  society  ;  and  that 
I  now  meet  you  here  for  the  purpose  ol  uniting  with 
you  in  those  interesting  religious  services,  which  form 
the  leading  objects  for  which  it  was  instituted. 

Cherishing  the  hope  that  you  are  already  joined  to 
the  Lord  in  a  perpetual  covenant  not  io  be  forgotten  ; 
or  feeling  a  solicitous  concern  that  you  may  be  found 
among  the  genuine  disciples  and  followers  of  Christ  ; 
and  at  the  same  time  conscious  of  your  own  weak- 
nesses and  necessities,  and  aware  of  the  advantages  to 
be  derived  from  your  associating  frequently  together 
for  religious  worship  and  improvement,  you  have  wise- 
ly and  well,  resolved,  to  meet  together  statedly,  at 
least  on  one  evening  in  the  course  of  every  week,  for 
these  important  purposes. 


196  AN  ADDRESS    DELIVERED 

And  in  what  way  could  an  hour  or  two,  at  sucli 
times,  be  employed,  that  would  be  better  adapted  to 
promote  the  spirit  of  piety  in  your  own  souls,  and  to 
encourage  each  other's  hearts,  and  strengthen  each 
other's  hands,  in  the  great  duties,  and  under  the  vari- 
ous trials,  of  the  christian  life  ? 

Nor  are  your  views  of  advantage  limited  merely  to 
yourselves  ;  as  you  cheerfully  welcome  your  neigh- 
bours around  you  to  join  with  you  in  your  social  wor- 
ship, and  your  already  considerable  and  gradually  in- 
creasing collection  of  religious  books  are  designed,  not 
merely  to  be  read  for  the  common  benefit  in  the  meet- 
ings of  your  society,  and  for  your  individual  improve- 
ment in  your  retired  hours  ;  but  to  be  loaned  also,  un- 
der proper  regulations,  to  your  friends,  v\ho  may  be 
desirous  of  perusing  them  ;  while  in  your  united 
prayers,  it  is  your  purpose  and  your  practice,  to  re- 
member and  (o  plead  for  the  church  of  Christ  general- 
ly, and  those  branches  of  it  especially  with  which  you 
are  more  immediately  connected ;  for  the  nation  also, 
to  which  you  belong,  and  in  whose  safety,  peace,  and 
prosperity,  the  most  valuable  privileges  of  men,  civil 
and  religious,  and  many  of  your  dearest  worldly  com- 
forts and  enjoyments  are  deeply  involved;  in  a  word, 
for  the  temporal  happiness  and  eternal  salvation  and 
felicity  of  your  brethren  of  the  great  family  of  man, 
throughout  the  world. 

Such  are  your  worthy  views,  and  such  the  import- 
ant objects  contemplated  in  the  formation  of  this  so- 
ciety ;  the  design  is  certainly  in  itself  laudable  ;  and 
if,  in  pursuing  it,  you  continue  to  be  actuated  by  pure 
and  upright  principles  and  motives,  and  carry  it  on 
with  a  spirit   of  becoming  union,  harmony  and  zeal. 


AT    A    WEEKLY    MEETING.  197 

you  need  not  doubt,  but  that  the  Lord  your  God  and 
Saviour,  whom  you  thus  attempt  to  serve  and   honor, 
and  vrho  has  promised  his  special  presen<:e  "  wherever 
two  or  three  are  met  together  in   his   name,"  for  such 
purposes  "  will  be  with  you,"  and  will  favour  you  with 
his  acceptance  and  blessing,  and  crown  you  with  the 
honor    by     which    all    his    saints    are     distinguished. 
"Then  they  that  feared  the  Lord  spake  often  one  to 
another,  and  the  Lord  hearkened   and    heard,    and  a 
book  of  remembrance  was  written  before  him  for  them 
that  feared  the  Lord,  and  that  thought  upon  his  name  : 
and  they  shall  be  mine,  saith  the  Lord  ot  hosts,  in  that 
day  when  I   make  up   ray  jewels."*      The    circum- 
stances of  your  situation   in  the  world,    added  to  the 
necessities  of  your  souls,   having  originally  suggested 
the  expediency  of  such  a  religious  association,  will,  I 
trust,  still  recommend  and  urge  your  unremitted  at- 
tendance on  its  meetings,  and  its  exercises,   as  consti- 
tuting at  once  the  most  profitable  and  the  most  agreea- 
ble employment  to  which  the  evening  could  be  devot- 
ed. 

You  need  not  be  informed, — you  must  be  well  aware 
and  sensibly  feel,  how  much  you  need  all  the  aid,  which 
you  can  by  any  means  afford  to  each  other  in  the  all 
important  concerns  of  religion.  Surrounded  with  the 
multitude  of  the  careless  and  the  profane,  who  live 
without  God  in  the  world,  and  in  the  neglect  and  con- 
tempt of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  of  the  salvation  of  their 
own  souls,  and  who  pursue  the  perishing  interests,  and 
the  destructive  pleasures  of  the  world,  as  the  only  ob- 
jects of  their  warm  regard  ;  are  you  not  liable  to  feel 
the  unhappy  influence  of  their  conversation  and  con- 

*  Malaohi  iii.  t6,  17. 


198  AN  ADDRESS    DELIVERED 

duct,  in  abating  the  life  and  fervor  of  religion  in  yonr 
bearts,  and  assimilating  jou  too  much  in  your  practice 
to  the  fashion  and  the  course  of  this  evil  world  ? 

To  persevere  stedfast  and  unmoved  in  the  narrow 
way  of  holiness,  which  leads  to  life,  in  opposition  to  the 
vastly  greater  numbers,  who  are  travelling  in  the  broad 
w^ay  of  sin,  through  scenes  of  present  unrestrained  in- 
dulgence, down  to  the  regions  of  eternal  death  ;  while 
the  corrupt  propensities  of  your  fallen,  depraved  na- 
ture, powerfully  impel  you  "  to  follow  a  mullitude  to 
do  evil,"  is  like  sailing  against  an  unfavourable  wind 
and  tide  combined.  And  it  requires  no  small  degree 
of  watchfulness  and  resolution,  of  fervor  in  prayer,  and 
activity  in  labour,  in  such  circumstances,  to  hold  fast 
your  own  integrity,  to  keep  a  conscience  void  of  wilful 
oflfence,  and  to  guard  against  the  danger  of  declension 
and  backsliding,  and  much  more  so,  "  to  grow  in  grace 
and  in  the  knowledge  of  your  Saviour,"  and  to  advance 
from  strength  to  strength  in  your  christian  course, 
"  Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things  ?"  Of  yourselves, 
you  know,  you  are  not.  Under  the  conviction  of  this, 
it  is  then  undoubtedly  your  wisdom,  to  avail  yourselves 
of  all  the  desirable  help  which  you  can  obtain.  And 
while  you  look  chiefly  by  faith  and  prayer,  to  your 
God  and  Saviour,  that  he  may  "  perfect  his  strength 
in  your  weakness,  and  make  his  grace  sufficient  for 
you,"  it  behoves  you,  at  the  same  time  to  study  how 
you  may  become,  in  the  most  effectual  manner,  "helpers 
of  each  other's  faith  and  joy,"  and  spiritual  improve- 
ment. For  this  purpose  no  means,  subordinate  to  the 
ordinances  of  the  sanctuary  and  the  devotions  of  the 
closet,  could  have  a  more  favourable  tendency,  or 
promise  a  better  result,  than  those  which  you  are  pur- 


AT    A    WEEKLY    MEETINe.  199 

suing,  while  thus  meeting  together  regularly  from  time 
to  time  ;  that  you  may  attend  to  some  peculiarly  in- 
structive, searching,  quickening  or  comforting,  por- 
tions of  scripture  ;  or  pious  practical  discourses  of  the 
most  approved  authors,  which  may  be  read  among 
you ;  that  you  may  perhaps  occasionally  engage  in 
conversation  on  interesting  religious  subjects,  condu- 
cive to  mutual  information  and  edification  ;  and  that 
you  may  "  pour  out  your  hearts"  together  before  the 
Lord  in  prayer,  for  all  the  supplies  of  mercy  and  grace, 
which  you  need  in  the  whole  course  and  circumstances 
of  your  work  and  warfare  ;  in  social  prayer  naturally 
rendered  more  fervent,  and  therefore  likely  to  be  more 
effectual,  by  the  consideration  of  your  joining  together 
in  the  same  solemn  act  of  worship,  having  in  general  the 
same  sins,  wants  and  sorrows,  the  same  fears,  doubts 
and  desires  to  spread  before  God,  and  standing  equal- 
ly in  need  of  the  same  blessings  of  his  grace  and  salva- 
tion. 

"  As  iron  sharpeneth  iron,  so  doth  the  countenance 
of  a  man  his  friend."  And  greatly  is  the  soul  often 
enlivened,  and  improved  by  joining  in  such  religious 
exercises,  as  those  which  you  have  here  in  view, 
with  christian  friends  and  associates.  David,  no 
doubt  knew  the  value  of  religious  society,  when  he  said, 
"  I  am  a  companion  of  all  them  that  fear  God  and  keep 
his  commandments,"  and  when  he  spoke  of  "his  good- 
ness as  extending  not  to  the  Lord,  but  to  the  saints 
that  are  in  the  earth,  and  to  the  excellent,  in  whom 
w'ds  all  his  delight." 

Have  not  you  also,  often  experienced  important  ben- 
efits in  a  similar  way  ?  In  your  ordinary  intercourse 
with  your  christian  friends  ;  if  you  have  perceived 


200  AN  ADDRESS    DELIVERED 

them  to  be  engaged,  with  some  becoming  degree  of 
zeal  or  liveliness  in  the  service  of  their  God,  and  in 
their  attention  to  the  things  of  their  peace  ;  and  if,  at 
the  same  time,  jou  have  been  sensible  of  a  more  cold, 
remiss  and  languid  frame  of  mind,  have  you  not  felt 
your  resolutions  awakened,  to  shake  off  the  sloth  which 
you  have  indulged,  to  resist  the  temptations  by  which 
you  have  been  overcome  ;  *'  to  remember  from  whence 
you  have  fallen,  to  repent  and  do  your  first  works," 
or  to  begin  to  seek  in  earnest  the  great  salvation  reveal- 
ed and  otFered  in  the  gospel,  if  this  had  been  before 
neglected?  And  may  you  not  promise  yourselves  the 
experience  of  similar  advantages,  and  perhaps  in  a  still 
higher  degree,  and  lars^er  measure,  from  your  uniting, 
and  taking  part  with  each  other  in  the  appropriate  du- 
ties and  employments  of  such  an  association  as  this? 
How  pleasing,  how  animating  the  thought,  that  in  this 
way,  you  may  be  instrumental  in  contributing  so  much 
(o  each  other's  spiritual  improvement  in  the  present 
state  of  darkness  and  imperfection  ;  and  consequently, 
in  the  same  proportion,  to  the  advancement  of  your 
mutual,  everlasting  happiness,  in  a  future  world  of 
heavenly  light  and  glory. 

And  if  the  divine  life  may  be  thus  promoted  in 
your  own  souls,  by  the  means  on  which  you  here  at- 
tend, will  not  the  same  means  have  the  desirable  effect 
of  "  making  your  light  shine  with  increasing  lustre  be- 
fore others,  and  so  giving  it  an  increased  eflScacy,  in 
constraining  them,  while  they  behold  in  your  good 
conduct,  more  and  more  of  the  lovely  fruits  of  your 
holy  religion,  '*  to  glorify  your  Heavenly  Father  and 
Divine  Redeemer  ?"  Or  will  they  not,  be  thus,  at 
least,  more  effectually  reproved  and  corrected  for  their 


AT    A    WEEKLY    MEETING.  201 

impenitence,  their  unbelief  and  their  disobedience  to 
the  gospel,  which  you  profess  to  adorn  ? 

How  cheering,  also,  how  delightful  is  the  hope,  that 
the  prayers  in  which  jou  here  unite,  may  be  gracious- 
ly answered  by  "  Him  who  heareth  prayer,"  in  the 
blessings  of  his  favour,  showered  down  in  rich  abun- 
dance upon  yourselves,  and  upon  many  others,  whom 
you  bear  on  your  hearts,  in  your  devout  addresses  at 
the  throne  of  Grace  ? 

"  The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man 
availefh  much.'*  The  united  prayers  of  the  faithful, 
we  are  encouraged  and  warranted  by  the  best  authori- 
ty to  expect,  may  be  still  more  availing.  For  to  such 
prayers,  our  Lord  has  certainly  given  some  special 
and  peculiar  encouragement,  when  he  says  ;  "  If  even 
two  of  you  shall  agree  on  earth,  as  touching  any  thing 
that  they  shall  ask,"  (  in  his  name,  and  agreeably  to 
the  word  and  will  of  God,)  "  it  shall  be  done  for  them 
of  my  Father,  who  is  in  heaven."  Now  it  is  the  de- 
clared will  of  God,  that  in  the  religious  assemblies  of 
his  people  "  their  supplications,  prayers  and  interces- 
sions, with  giving  of  thanks,  should  be  made,  not  only 
for  themselves,  but  for  all  men."  You  have  then 
abundant  reason  for  being  strong  in  faith,  and  cherish- 
ing a  good  hope,  and  the  most  enlarged  expectations, 
while  you  continue  to  unite  your  hearts  with  your 
voices  in  praying,  not  only  for  the  salvation  and  the 
prosperity  of  your  own  souls,  and  for  the  edifica- 
tion and  peace  of  the  church  of  Christ  and  its  individ- 
ual members  ;  but  for  the  wider  spread  and  growing 
success  of  the  gospel  in  the  world,  that  it  may  ha\e  a 
free  course  and  be  glorified,  in  the  salvation  of  multi- 
tudes in  every  nation  ;  and  that  the  kingdom  of  ouv 
26 


202  AN    ADDRESS    DELIVERED 

Redeemer,  which  is  the  kingdom  of  grace  and  righ- 
teousness, may  be  established  and  grow,  and  flourish, 
on  the  ruins  of  the  usurped  dominion  of  satan,  where- 
ever  the  children  of  men  dwell  on  "  all  the  face  of  the 
earth,"  And  surely  you  cannot  have  less  cause  for 
believing  and  hoping,  that  you  may  be  graciously 
heard  and  answered,  when  it  is  "  your  heart's  desire, 
andyour  prayer  to  God,"  for  your  brethren  around  you, 
who  enjoy  with  yourselves  the  external  privileges  of 
the  gospel  dispensation,  without  having  yet  experienc- 
ed its  saving  operations,  that  while  they  are  permitted 
to  "see  the  heavenly  light,"  and  to  "  hear  the  joyful 
sound  of  the  gospel,"  they  may  be  made  to  feel  its 
divine  energy,  in  **  turning  them  from  darkness  to 
light,  from  the  power  of  satan  to  God,  and  from  their 
sins  unto  righteousness,  so  that  ihey  may  obtain  the 
forgiveness  of  their  sins,  and  the  salvation  of  their  souls, 
and  an  everlasting  inheritance  of  life  and  glory,  among 
all  them  that  ar6  sanctified,  through  the  faith  that  is  in 
Jesus  Christ." 

Since  then  you  are  thus  authorized  to  hope,  that  you 
may  receive  the  most  important  benefits  to  yourselves, 
and  at  the  same  time  prove  instrumental  in  securing 
the  most  precious  blessings  of  the  grace  and  love  of 
God  in  Christ  Jesus,  to  an  unknown  number  of  your 
fellow-men  ;  let  your  hearts  be  encouraged  and  ani- 
mated by  these  considerations  and  prospects  ;  and  let 
it  be  your  particular  study  and  care,  that  you  may 
continue  to  be  of  one  mind,  and  of  one  accord,  and  that 
with  a  truly  christian  spirit  of  charity,  zeal,  and  con- 
stancy, you  may  persevere  in  improving  the  means  to 
which  you  have  thus  resorted,  and  which  you  are  now 
pursuing  for  the  attainment  of  those   most  interesting 


AT    A    WEEKLY    MEETING.  203 

and  desirable  objects,  to  which  your  views  Were  di- 
rected in  the  establishment  of  this  society. 

For  these  purposes,  may  the  God  of  love,  of  peace, 
and  of  all  grace,  be  with  you  :  and  may  you  find  him 
ever  present  and  ever  ready,  "  to  do  for  you,  exceeding 
abandantly,  above  all  that  you  can  ask  or  think ;" 
through  the  riches  of  his  grace  in  Jesus  Christ  our 
Redeemer  and  Mediator  ;  •'  who  is,"  with-the  Father 
and  the  Holy  Spirit,  **  over  all,  God  blessed  for  ever« 
Amen  !'* 


LETTERS. 


TO    MISS    N,    B. 

ALEXANDRIA,    JVNE    25,  1784. 
MY    DEAR     N. 

J^  ROM  the  intimate  acquaintance  which 
has  for  a  considerable  time  subsisted  between  us,  I  am 
induced  to  believe,  that  you  will  take  in  good  part,  the 
freedom  of  a  familiar  letter.  It  is  dictated  by  senti- 
ments of  sincere  and  tender  regard  for  you,  designed, 
while  it  gratifies  my  own  feelings,  to  afford  you,  if  not 
an  improving  entertainment,  at  least  an  innocent  amuse- 
ment in  some  of  your  unemployed  moments. 

The  esteem  which  I  have  entertained  for  your  verj 
worthy  parents,  ever  since  my  first  knowledge  of  them, 
would  naturally  lead  me  to  indulge  some  partiality 
for  those  also,  who  must  be  particularly  dear  to  them, 
in  the  relation  of  childien.  E\en  upon  this  principle, 
I  have  always  derived  much  pleasure,  from  that  unre» 
served  intercourse  with  you  all,  from  the  eldest  to  the 
youngest,  which  I  have  enjoyed  during  the  short  stay 
that  I  am  allowed  to  make  in  the  family,  once  in  the 
year  since  your  removal  from  Alexandria.  But  this 
pleasure,  I  can  with  sincerity  assure  you,  is  greatly  in- 
creased by  those  promising  appearances  in  your  char- 
acter, which  incline  me  to  hope,  that,  as  you  severally 
advance  forward  on  the  stage  of  life,  you  will  individu- 
ally merit  the  respect  that  is  always  paid  to  virtue,  anci 


LET«PRRSr.  205 

eonciliale  the  love  and  favour,  which  are  always  shewn  io 
persons  of  agreeable  dispositions,  and  amiable  conduct. 
While  I  freelj  express  this  sentiment,  which  I  think  to 
be  true  in  itself,  and  not  improper  to  be  communicated  to 
you,  I  have  no  inclination  to  deal  in  the  language  of 
flattery.  My  only  aim  is  to  encourage  those  principles, 
and  to  cherish  those  opening  buds,  which  may  hereaf- 
ter, with  due  culture,  be  productive  of  the  happiest  con- 
sequences, and  crowned  with  the  most  desirable  fruit, 

I  need  not  remark  to  you,  my  dear,  that  you  are  now 
arrived  at  an  age,  when  the  little  pursuits  and  amuse- 
ments, which  properly  enough  engage  the  attention  and 
constitute  the  happiness  of  children,  would  be  to  you 
as  unbecoming,  as  they  are  unseasonable.  I  have  no 
room  to  doubf,  but  that  you  have  commenced  the 
young  woman,  with  sentiments  suited  to  support  and 
adorn  that  more  important  character,  in  which  you  now 
appear.  I  am  sure  that  the  motives  which  serve  to  en- 
force the  cultivation  of  such  sentiments,  and  of  a  cor- 
respondent practice,  are  too  obvious  not  to  be  discern- 
ed ;  too  forcible  not  to  be  felt,  by  you.  They  are 
drawn  from  the  consideration  of  your  own  credit  and 
interesf,  which  upon  the  score  of  a  justifiable  and  laud- 
able self-love,  cannot  but  be  very  dear  to  you  ;  and 
from  a  principle  of  gratitude  to  those,  whose  study  it 
has  been  to  furnish  your  mind  wi(h  every  valuable  ac- 
eomplishment,  of  which  it  was  susceptible  in  the  earlier 
days  of  your  youth.  To  the  soft,  but  powerful,  influ- 
ence of  this  most  amiable  principle  of  your  nature,  your 
tender  bosom  cannot  be  insensible.  And  how  pleasing, 
how  delightful  must  be  the  sensations  which  will  aris« 
in  your  own  heart  from  the  reflection,  that  while  you 
are  pursuing  your  own  truest  honor  and  happiness^  iir 


206  LETTERS. 

those  paths  of  piety  and  virtue,  which  the  affectionate 
care  of  your  parents  has  so  early  marked  out,  and  so 
earnestly  recommended  to  your  choice  ;  you  are  at  the 
same  time  making  them  the  best,  the  most  satisfactory 
return,  which  they  could  possibly  wish  to  receive. 
To  such  a  kind  requital,  they  have  surely  the  best 
founded  claim  :  and  as  I  am  well  convinced,  that  you 
are  not  wanting  in  a  disposition  to  pay  it,  so  it  is  with 
the  sincerest  pleasure,  I  find,  that  your  endeavours  in 
that  way  have  not  been  ineffectual.  Your  dear  moth- 
er expresses,  in  terms  not  a  little  flattering,  her  appro- 
bation of  your  conduct  ;  and  also  of  that  of  your  little 
sisters,  since  the  weighty  charge  of  the  family  has  fal- 
len, in  so  great  a  degree,  upon  herself.  Her  instruc- 
tions and  example,  I  doubt  not,  have  had  an  happy  in- 
fluence. Let  them  be  duly  attended  to  for  the  time  to 
come.  You  cannot  fail  to  profit  greatly  by  them. 
And  think  how  happy  it  will  make  3/our  honored  fath- 
er, should  he  be  restored  to  you,  to  participate  in  the 
praises,  which  he  shall  find  his  children  have  been,  and 
I  trust  will  still  continue  to  be,  ambitious  to  deserve. 

But  whether  he  is  reserved  for  the  enjoyment  of  so  great 
a  satisfaction,  is  yet  to  us  a  distressing  uncertainty. 
What  the  determination  of  Providence  respecting  him 
may  have  been,  time  will  at  length  discover;  and  pos- 
sibly the  discovery  may  be  such,  as  will  gratify  the 
warmest  wishes  of  all  who  are  now  anxiously  concern- 
ed for  his  safety.  In  the  mean  time,  this  we  have  the 
best  ground  to  believe,  that  it  is  well  with  him.  There 
is  no  situation  into  which  he  may  be  cast,  but  what  I 
trust  will  be  sanctified  to  his  benefit.  And  if  his  con- 
nexion with  this  life  has  ceased  ;  if  the  happy  days 
which  he  has  heretofore  spent  with  the  amiable  partner 


LETTERS.  20? 

ef  his  bosom,  with  the  children  of  his  love,  arc  not  to  be 
renewed  ;  if  the  joys  which  he  might  have  yet  promis- 
ed himself,  from  this  purest  and  richest  source  of  earth- 
ly felicity,  are  not  to  be  realized  ;  let  us  comfort  our- 
selves with  the  hope,  with  the  assured  persuasion,  that 
he  has  a  far  happier  lot  in  the  glorious  family  of  heav- 
en, where  the  pleasures  of  friendship  are  undissembled 
and  complete  ;  where  the  blessings  of  society  are  ex- 
alted to  their  highest  perfection,  and  permanent  as  eter- 
nity. In  whatever  manner  this  very  interesting  mat- 
ter may  be  ordered,  it  certainly  becomes  us,  with  un- 
repining  resignation,  to  acquiesce  in  the  event,  and  to 
adore  the  hand  by  which  it  has  been  directed  ;  not 
doubting  but  that  what  God  has  done,  is  intended  to  ac- 
complish some  design  of  infinite  wisdom,  goodness,  and 
love  to  him,  and  to  all  intimately  and  tenderly  connect- 
ed with  him. 

I  knovT,  my  dear  N.  that  to  be  deprived,  should  it  be 
your  lot,  so  early  in  life,  of  so  valuable  a  parent,  is  an 
affliction  in  itself,  very  severe,  and  which  you  must 
deeply  feel.  Yet,  let  it  be  considered,  that  even  this, 
as  well  as  every  other  painful  stroke  which  you  have 
already  felt,  or  which  may  yet  await  you,  may  be  over- 
ruled, so  as  to  work  for  good,  and  will  infallibly  do  so,  if 
wisely  improved.  It  is  good,  as  the  Prophet  expresse8 
it,  to  bear  the  yoke  in  one's  youlh.  Our  condition 
must  be  privileged  beyond  the  common  lot  of  the  most 
virtuous  and  the  most  happy  on  earth,  if  we  do  not  of- 
ten, durins;  our  progress  through  life,  experience 
the  bitterness  of  disappointment  in  some  of  our  favourite 
hopes,  and  suffer  the  painful  loss  of  some  of  our  roost 
valued  enjoyments.  It  may  therefore  be  highly  ex- 
pedient and  salutary,  to  set  out   in  life,  under  a  disci- 


208  LETTERS. 

pline,  adapted  to  form  the  mind  to  habits  of  reflection 
and  resignation,  by  which  it  will  be  best  prepared  to 
meet,  and  to  sustain,  the  trials  of  succeeding  years. 
Trials,  of  one  kind  or  other,  must  be  expected  by  all 
Ihe  children  of  Adam,  who  are  born  to  trouble,  as  the 
sparks  fly  upward.  They  usually  become  more  fre- 
quent and  painful,  as  we  proceed  further  in  our  pilgri- 
mage through  life  ;  and  they  are,  if  not  absolutely  nec- 
essary, at  least  highly  conducive  to  the  safety  and 
prosperity  of  our  souls.  Wise  and  happy  are  they, 
who  have  been  early  taught  to  view  them  in  this  light, 
and  to  bear  them,  when  they  come,  with  suitable  humil- 
ity and  patience. 

Whatever  may  be  the  portion  of  affliction  allotted  to 
you,  I  hope  you  will  never  allow  yourself  to  sink  in 
despondence  under  it  :  but  that  you  will  study  to  add 
to  that  softness  and  sensibility  of  heart,  by  which  I 
"wish  to  see  you  ever  distinguished,  that  spirit  of  christ- 
ian faith  and  fortitude,  which  overcometh  the  world. 
This  is  to  be  sought  by  earnest  prayer,  and  to  be  cher- 
ished by  a  life  of  sincere  piety,  and  uniform  holiness. 
And  they  who  conscientiously  aim  to  approve  them- 
selves to  God  in  these  duties,  trusting  in  the  merits  and 
grace  of  the  Redeemer,  for  their  acceptance  and  re- 
ward, may,  even  in  the  darkest  day  and  most  trying 
hour  of  life,  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  and  joy  in  the  God  of 
their  salvation.  For  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting,  to  those  who  thus  keep  his 
covenant,  and  to  those  who  thus  remember  his  com- 
mandments to  do  them.  As  a  Father  pitieth  his  chil- 
dren, so  will  the  Lord  pity  those  who  thus  fear  and 
serve  him.  Such  he  will  never  leave  nor  forsake. 
From  such  he  will  never  take  away  his  loving  kindness. 


LETTERS.  209 

In  his  protection  they  shall  be  safe  :  in  the  light  of  his 
countenance  they  shall  be  happy.  They  who  have  no 
claim  to  these  privileges  of  the  true  christian,  will  be 
left  poor  a»id  wretched  in  the  midst  of  the  greatest 
prosperity  of  this  world  ;  but  they  who  have  been  wise 
to  secure  their  interests  in  these,  may  solace  themselves 
with  pleasures  and  with  hopes,  which  its  most  flattering 
smiles  cannot  inspire,  and  which  its  severest  afflictions 
cannot  take  away. 

I  shall  not  apologize  for  the  serious  strain  in  which  I 
write.  It  is  that  which  is  most  familiar  to  my  pen, 
which  I  believe  will  best  correspond  to  the  feelings  of 
your  heart.  The  sentiments  of  religion  which  I  have 
taken  occasion  to  suggest,  cannot  be  unpleasing;  to  you. 
Religion  I  am  persuaded,  you  wish  to  make  the  primary 
object  of  your  attention.  In  the  practice  of  it,  I  am 
sure,  you  will  find  your  truest  and  highest  happiness. 
Though  its  aspect  be  grave,  yet  is  it  not  severe. 
Though  its  laws  inculcate  sobriety  of  mind,  and  of  man- 
ners, yet  do  they  not  forbid,  but  rather  encourage, 
cheerfulness  of  temper.  It  never  was  intended  to  make 
our  pleasures  less  ;  but  on  the  contrary,  to  improve, 
exalt,  and  multiply  them.  And  accordingly,  its  ways 
will  be  pronounced  by  them  who  travel  in  them,  to  be 
ways  of  pleasantness,  and  they  will  find  all  its  paths 
peace.  Religion  is  indisputably  the  highest  wisdom, 
the  brightest  ornament,  the  richest  treasure,  of  human 
nature.  The  dear  young  friend  to  whom  I  write,  will, 
I  trust,  ever  reckon  it  among  the  most  attractive  charms 
of  her  youth.  She  will  certainly  find  the  best  support 
of  her  age  (should  life  exlentl  so  far)  of  her  sweetest 
solace  in  every  season  of  atBiction  and  sorrow  on  earth. 
But  what  language  can  speak  the  advantage  of  it,  in  a 

2r 


110  LETTERS. 

djing  hour  ?  And  a  dying  hour  is  what  we  should  nev- 
er allow  to  be  long  out  of  view.  For  even  in  ihe  sea- 
son of  youth,  and  gaity,  of  joy  and  hope,  it  may  not  be 
far  remote.  But  when  it  arrives,  then  to  be  able  to 
look  back  upon  a  life  well  spent,  carefully  redeem- 
ed from  the  vanities  of  the  unthinking,  and  the  follies 
of  the  vicious,  and  devoted  to  the  service  of  our  God 
and  Saviour;  to  the  practice  of  all  righteousness  and 
goodness  ;  and  to  look  forward,  with  that  lively  animat- 
ing hope,  which  is  founded  on  an  approving  conscience, 
of  rising  beyond  the  grave,  to  those  joys  which  are 
unspeakable  and  full  of  glory,  which  shall  be  the  portion 
of  the  good  through  eternal  ages  ;  this  surely  is  an  hap- 
piness, for  the  attainment  of  which,  no  exertions  can  be 
too  great  ;  for  the  want  of  which,  nothing  that  this 
earth  may  afford  can  ever  compensate.  This  is  the 
happiness  which,  with  all  the  ardent  affection  of  a 
friend  and  christian,  I  wish  you  to  possess.  And  as  it 
is  to  be  secured  by  religion,  and  by  that  alone,  no  other 
consideration  will  be  necessary  to  engage  you  to  pur- 
sue it,  in  this  way,  with  all  the  care  and  diligence,  which 
so  important  an  object  justly  challenges.  Only  study 
to  be  good,  and  you  cannot  fail  to  be  blest. 

According  to  my  usual  practice,  when  I  write  to  those 
whom  I  love,  I  have  run  my  letter  considerably  beyond 
the  limits,  which  I  had  at  first  prescribed  to  myself. 
But  I  hope  you  will  not  think  it  tedious.  It  has  all 
flowed  from  an  heart,  that  feels  itself  tenderly  interested 
in  your  happiness,  and  sincerely  desirous  of  contribut- 
ing every  thing  in  ray  power  to  promote  it.  With  this 
object  in  view,  I  felt  too  much  pleasure  in  writing,  to 
admit  of  my  laying  down  my  pen,  so  soon  as  I  intended^ 
when  I  took  it  up. 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 


LETTERS.  211 


TO    MR.- 


BATH,    (vIRGINMA)    AUGUST    3,    1785'. 

My  dear  friend  would  certainly  blame  me,  and  very 
jiisliy  too,  if  in  my  present  situation,  with  my  time  so 
much  at  my  own  disposal,  I  should  omit  a  favourable 
opportunity  of  discharging  one  of  the  kindest  offices,  that 
can  be  shewn  to  an  absent  friend.  I  am  apprehensive, 
indeed,  that  you  will  find  it  performed  in  a  manner  little 
suited  to  gratify  your  feelings  and  expectations  ;  but  I 
am  desirous  to  offer  you  something  in  this  way,  that 
may  serve  as  a  testimony  at  least  of  my  good  will,  per- 
suaded that  your  usual  candor,  or  rather  partiality,  will 
dispose  you  to  read  whatever  I  write,  with  all  the  in- 
dulgence I  could  reasonably  ask,  if  not  with  all  the  pleas- 
ure I  would  wish  to  afford.  And  if  my  writing  may  on- 
ly answer  the  purpose  of  furnishing  you  with  an  inno- 
cent and  agreeable  amusement  for  a  few  moments,  I 
shall  think  the  time  bestowed  upon  this,  among  the  best 
employed,  and  happiest  hours,  of  the  sweet  leisure 
I  now  enjoy. 

After  an  easy  and  agreeable  journey,  my  fellow  trav- 
eller and  myself  arrived  here,  through  the  favour  of  a 
kind  Providence,  on  the  fifth  day  after  leaving  Alex- 
andria. The  ride  itself  contributed  to  the  restoration 
of  my  strength  and  spirits,  even  beyond  my  expecta- 
tions, more  especially  when  we  approached  towards  the 
mountainous  country,  where  every  breeze  seemed  to 
breathe  health  and  cheerfulness  ;  and  my  residence 
here,  as  far  as  I  can  judge  from  the  experience  I  have 
yet  had  of  it,  seems  likely  to  prove  no  less  favourable 
to  the  object  of  my  visit.  Independently  of  the  water 
for  which  this  place  is  chiefl.y  famed,  it  seems  to  have 


212  LETTERS. 

been  particularly  designed  by  the  beneficent  Creator,  t© 
furnish  a  salulary  and  pleasing  retreat  for  the  infirm  and 
the  languid,  during  the  sultry  heat  of  summer.  It  lies 
in  a  deep  narrow  vale,  formed  on  the  north  by  a  lofty, 
steep  and  craggy  mountain,  and  by  a  considerable  hill 
on  ihe  south.  The  first  of  these,  besides  exhibiting  to 
the  contemplati\  e  mind,  a  pleasing  prospect  of  nature  in 
ber  rude,  untouched  magnificence,  and  1  think  not  sus- 
ceptible of  improvement  by  the  hand  of  art,  serves  the 
valuable  purpose  of  intercepting  the  morning  and  even- 
ing rays  of  the  sun,  and  by  these  means  of  protracting, 
considerably,  the  coolness  of  those  sweet  and  refreshing 
bours,  which  form  the  beginning  and  the  close  of  the 
summer  day.  The  town  is  not  yet  an  object  of  much 
consideration ;  though  it  is  scattered  over  a  pretty 
large  extent  of  ground.  The  greater  part  of  the  houses, 
which  I  conjecture  amount  in  the  whole,  to  between 
one  hundred  and  fifty,  and  two  hundred,  are  small  and 
indifferent,  suited  merely  to  the  design  of  a  temporary 
residence  ;  though  there  are  a  few  of  a  neat  and  con- 
Tenient  structure  already  built,  and  others  continually 
rising.  The  water,  which  is  to  be  considered  as  the 
capital  object  of  the  place,  is  indeed  the  purest,  and 
the  lightest,  I  have  ever  tasted.  Besides  these  excellent 
qualities,  it  is  generally  allowed  to  possess  some  peculiar 
medicinal  virtues,  which  render  it  highly  salutary  in 
many  complaints. 

Whether  it  will  eventually  have  a  good  effect  in  my 
own  case,  I  cannot  yet  determine.  What  I  have  drank  of 
it  has  been  so  far  useful,  as  to  promote  a  good  appetite 
and  digestion.  1  ha\e  not  yet  made  sufficient  trial  of 
the  bath,  to  form  a  judgement  whether  it  will  agree 
equally  well  with  my  constitution.     But  to  whatever  it 


LETTERS.  213 

is  to  be  ascribed,  whether  to  the  use  of  the  wafer,  or  to 
the  change  of  air,  or  to  any  other  cause,  [  ha\e  certain- 
ly felt  myself  much  better  hitherto,  than  when  1  left 
home  ;  though  I  still  find  that  I  am  not  perfectly  freed 
from  all  remains  of  my  former  fever.  I  am  not  without 
hope,  however,  that  after  spending  two  or  three  weeks 
more  here,  I  shall  return  to  Alexandria  with  a  greater 
stock  of  health,  than  1  have  possessed  for  a  twelve 
month  past. 

The  company  collected  here  is  not  yet  very  numer- 
ous, but  appears  to  be  daily  increasing.  The  methods 
of  spending  the  time  are  as  various,  as  the  circumstan- 
ces, characters,  and  dispositions  of  the  people.  We 
have  balls  and  plays,  and  gaming  houses,  and  during 
the  last  week,  sermons  almost  every  day  by  the  metho- 
dists.  And  upon  one  or  other,  upon  fewer  or  more  of 
these,  the  gay,  the  dissipated,  the  serious,  attend,  as 
Tanity,  passion,  or  conscience  happen,  to  have  a  deter- 
mining influence.  For  my  own  part,  as  I  never  yet 
found  happiness  in  a  crowd,  or  in  the  usual  occupations, 
either  of  the  busy  or  the  idle,  1  have  chosen  to  pass 
my  time  chiefly  in  retirement.  And  I  felicitate  my- 
self that  I  have  it  in  my  power  to  do  so,  as  I  am  pro- 
vided with  a  private  room,  just  large  enough  to  contain 
a  bed  and  a  chair,  with  the  liberty  of  a  comfortable 
parlour,  not  yet  appropriated,  and  a  charming  cool 
piazza,  fronting  the  high  mountain  mentioned  above, 
and  approaching  within  a  few  yards  of  the  fine  stream 
of  water,  flowing  from  the  springs  of  health,  near  to 
which  the  house  is  situated,  and  yet  remote  from 
noise. 

Sweet  solitude  !  Rut  ah  !  one  thing  is  still  wanting 
to   complete   the  scene,  and  give  the  full  relish  of  it. 


214  LETTERS. 

Whaf  that  is,  your  own  feelings,  will  readil/  suggest, 
when  you  reflect  how  defective  are  all  the  advantages 
of  situation,  and  all  the  other  enjoyments  of  life,  with- 
out the  society  of  those,  whose  souls  are  united  with 
ours,  in  the  tenderest  intercourse  of  friendship  and  af- 
fection, and  whose  happiness  is  dear  to  us  as  our  own. 
Were  1  only  favoured  with  the  presence  of  the  much 
valued  friends  whose  company  I  resigned  on  the  road, 
1  should  think  myself  as  happy,  during  my  transient  res- 
idence here,  as  the  state  of  things  in  this  evil  world, 
will  ordinarily  admit.  But  while  I  cannot  but  regret, 
that  the  pleasure  and  improvement  of  our  personal  in- 
tercourse and  conversation,  are  for  a  time  suspended,  it 
is  some  consolation  to  me,  that  I  can  fancy  myself  still 
present  with  you  in  spirit,  and  sometimes  associated 
with  you  in  our  approaches  to  the  throne  of  grace,  ad- 
dressing our  Heavenly  Father,  in  the  name  of  our  dear 
Saviour,  for  every  blessing  to  each  other,  as  well  as  to 
ourselves. 

Often,  often,  my  dear  friend,  do  I  think  of  you  at 
all  hours  of  the  day,  and  more  especially,  when  wan- 
dering solitary,  as  fancy  leads,  in  the  shady,  and  de- 
lightfully romantic  walks,  with  which  the  environs  of 
this  place  abound  ;  and  recollecting  with  the  tenderest 
sympathy,  the  afflictions  and  the  sorrow  under  which 
you  have  been  so  long  depressed,  my  fervent  prayers 
are  offered  up  to  the  Father  of  mercies,  that  as  a  fa- 
ther pitieth  his  children,  so  he  may  pity  you,  and  help 
you  to  bear  your  bodily  infirmities,  and  the  troubles  of 
your  mind,  with  christian  fortitude  and  patience,  till  he 
shall  see  fit  to  restore  you  to  the  full  possession  of 
your  health,  and  give  you  the  uninterrupted  enjoyment 
of  that  peace  of  mind,  which  passeth  all  understanding. 


LETTERS.  215 

To  the  first  of  these,  T  hope  your  retreat  in  the  country 
will  greatly  contribute  :  And  the  last  of  them  I  know 
you  have  sometimes  experienced  already,  in  a  degree 
which  I  should  covet  to  attain,  in  preference  to  all  be- 
sides, which  can  be  enjoyed  on  earth  ;  tor  to  feel  this 
composure,  this  elevation  of  soul,  is  to  anticipate  the 
rest,  and  the  blessedness  of  heaven  itself. 

O  my  friend,  when  1  have  heard  you  talk,  though 
with  all  that  jealous  distrust  of  yourself,  which  true  hu- 
mility ever  inspires,  of  the  love  of  God  shed  abroad 
upon  your  heart,  of  the  aspirations  of  your  soul  after 
the  fullest  conformity,  and  the  nearest  approach  to  the 
adorable  Author  of  your  being  and  redemption  ;  and  of 
the  hope  which  you  conld  not  but  sometimes  entertain, 
of  rising  to  fullness  of  joy  in  his  glorious  presence,  I 
could  not  but  wonder,  that  you  should  at  all,  and  much 
more  so  generally,  indulge  a  spirit  of  dejection  and 
mourning.  At  such  season,  I  could  not  forbear  rejoic- 
ing-on  your  account,  though  on  my  own  I  could  feel 
nothing  but  sensations  of  shame  and  self-reproach,  un- 
der the  conviction  of  my  guilty  deficiencies  in  these 
exercises  and  attainments.  And  amid  the  painful  re- 
flections usually  excited  by  every  serious  and  imparh'al 
investieation  of  my  o^^n  heart,  and  my  conduct,  I  still 
feel  the  most  cordial  satisfaction  in  the  thought,  that  I 
am  warranted  to  apply  to  you  all  the  comfort,  which 
that  expression  and  affectionate  exhortation  of  St. 
Paul  is  intended  to  convey  to  the  true  christian  ;  "  Re- 
joice in  the  Lord,  always,  and  again  I  say  rejoice." 
Though  the  power  of  sin  may  not  yet  be  entirely  sub- 
dued within  you,  and  you  may  find  abundant  cause  to 
renew  the  tears  of  your  repentance  e\ery  day  ;  yet  let 
your  heart  remain  open  at  the  same  time  to  the  sensa- 


216 


LETTERS. 


tionsof  holy  joj,  reaiembering  that  the  God  wilh  whom 
you  have  to  do,  is  merciful  and  gracious,  forgiving  the 
iniquity,  transgression  and  sin  of  every   true  penitent  ; 
and   that   yon   have   also   an   Advocate   with   the   Fa- 
ther, Jesus  Christ,  the  righteous,  who  can  be   touch- 
ed    with    the    feeling   of   your   infirmities,    and   ever 
lives   to   make  intercession  for  you  ;  and    will  secure 
a   divine    acceptance    for   all   your   good   desires    and 
faithful     services,     however     feeble     and     imperfect. 
Should  the  troubles  of  the  present  life,  seem  to  bear 
hard  and  long  upon  the  flesh,  ever  tender  of  itself,  and 
averse  from   suffering  of  every  kind,  count   it,  never- 
theless, all  joy  when  you  are  called  to  endure  trials  of 
this  nature,  esteeming  them,  not  according  to  the  sug- 
gestions of  sense,  but  according  to  the  representations 
given  of  them  in  the  gospel,  which  teaches  you  to  view 
them  as  the  discipline  of  a  Father's  hand,  and  as  com- 
paratively light  and  but  for  a  moment,  while  they  are 
working   for  you    a  far    more  exceeding   and  eternal 
weight  of  glory.    Or  should  the  fear  of  death,  and  more 
especially,  of  the  pain  of  dissolution,  begin  to  spread  a 
gloom  over  your  spirits,  banish  at   once  every   melan- 
choly idea  on   this  subject,  and  lift  up  your  head  and 
your  heart  with  joy,   in  the  persuasion,  that  your  re- 
demption is  then  drawing  nigh  ;   and   that  when  your 
earthly  house  of  this    tabernacle  shall  dissolve,   you 
have  then  a  building  of  God,  an  bouse  not   made  with 
hands, eternal  in  the  heavens;  where  mortality,  with  all 
its  attendant  evils,  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  everlasting 
life  and  happiness.     Have  you  not  through  the  abound- 
ing riches  of  divine  grace,  and  by  the  great  and  precious 
promises  of  the  gospel,  a  claim   to  all  these  consola- 
tions,  in   time,   and   to  all  these  hopes  for  eternity  ? 
Let  not  then  these  divine  consolations  be  small  with 


LETTERS.  ^  217 

you;  let  not  these  animating  hopes  be  rejected.  For 
these,  and  these  alone,  can  effectually  sooth  your  soul 
into  sweet  serenity,  when  disquieted  within  you,  and 
raise  it  in  holy  triumph,  when  bowed  down  under  the 
various  sorrov?sof  this  world  of  aflSiction  and  tridl. 

1  know  to  whom  I  write,  or  I  might  perhaps  think  it 
necessar}  to  add  some  admonitory  hints  of  a  diiFerent 
tendency,  to  counsel  you  to  temper  your  joys  and  your 
hopes,  with  moderation  and  fear.  Bjt  I  am  well  aware, 
that  you  require  little  cautionary  advice  of  this  kind, 
as  you  are  already  but  too  much  disposed  to  write  bitter 
things  against  yourself,  and  to  cherish  distressing  doubts 
and  apprehen'^ions,  when  you  have  the  best  ground  to 
say,  "  1  know  in  whom  I  have  believed  ;''  and  in  whom, 
believing,  you  should  rejoice,  with  joy  unspeakable,  and 
full  of  glory.  On  thU  account  I  esteem  it  my  duty, 
as  much  as  it  is  ray  inclination,  to  use  my  best  endeav- 
ours to  be  an  helper  of  your  joy.  And  though  I  should 
be  able  to  do  nothing  more  toward  the  accomplishment 
of  so  friendly  a  design,  than  merely  to  express  the  de- 
sire of  my  heart,  and  shew  my  good  will ;  perhaps  even 
this,  as  it  affords  some  little  satisfaction  to  my  own 
mind,  may  have  some  favourable  influence  aldo  upon 
yours.  I  shall  not  however  be  at  all  disappointed,  if 
I  should  appear  to  you,  like  the  friends  of  Job,  in  the 
days  of  his  distress,  a  miserable  comforter,  as  unsuc- 
cessful, as  I  am  unskilled,  in  the  business  I  am  so  for- 
ward to  attempt.  Consciousof  my  own  defective  talents 
for  executing  properly,  this  tenderest  office  of  friend- 
ship, 1  commend  you  to  the  affection  and  experience 
of  one  much  better  quali6ed  for.it,  and  at  the  same 
time,  possessed  of  the  peculiar  advantages  and  opportn- 
nitiesy  arising  from  that  most  intimate  and  dear  relation 


218  LHTTEKS. 

in  which  he  is  connected  with  you  ;  and  my  prayers 
shall  not  cease  to  be  otfered  up  for  you,  to  Hlrn  who 
alone  is  able  efFectsially  to  establish,  strengthen,  and 
comfort  you. 

This  I  suppose  will  find  you  still  in  the  country,  as 
that  is  undoubtedly  the  situation  most  favourable  to  the 
recovery  of  3  our  health.  All  I  fear  is,  that  you  will 
feel  yourself  rather  too  solitary  there,  unless  you  are 
on  a  footing  of  agreeable  intimacy  with  the  good  family 
in  which  you  reside.  I  persuade  myself  that  you  will 
find  them  social  and  friendly,  and  disposed  to  contrib- 
ute every  thing  in  their  power,  to  your  coa)(ort  and  hap- 
piness. If  so,  they  have  my  blessing,  if  that  will  avail 
any  thing,  for  my  heart  blesses  every  body  that  shews 
you  any  kindness.  Have  you  the  society  of  either  of 
your  dear  little  children  ?  Your  maternal  feelings,  the 
tenderest  and  most  exquisite  of  which  the  human  heart 
is  susceptible,  will  not  readily  consent  to  forego  the  en- 
tertaining prattle  and  play  of  the  one,  and  the  still  more 
sweetly  engaging  smiles,  of  the  other.  But  if  circum- 
stances require  you  to  deny  yourself  for  a  short  season, 
in  these  most  innocent  and  delightful  of  all  social  pleas- 
ures, comfort  yourself,  in  the  mean  time,  that  you  are 
using  the  means  for  prolonging  them  ;  and  that  a  tempo- 
rary suspension  of  enjoyment,  gives  it  a  higher  value 
and  relish  when  restored.  I  feel  the  force  of  this  con- 
sideration myself,  at  the  present  moment.  What  I 
now  most  want,  is  the  sociely  I  most  value.  But  the 
prospect  of  enjoying  it  ere  long,  with  increased  pleas- 
ure, reconciles  me  to  the  most  disagreeable  circumstance 
of  my  present  situation,  or  at  least  helps  me  to  bear  it 
without  repining.  I  cannot  yet  name  the  time  of  my 
return  ;  but  whether  absent  or  present,  be  assured  that 


LETTERS.  219 

your  inleresis  lie  very  near  my  heart  ;  and  that  you, 
and  all  who  are  dear  to  you,  will  be  happy  both  now 
and  forever,  if  kind  Heaven  favours  the  warmest  wishes 
of  your  very  sincere  and  affectionate  friend. 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 


TO    REV.    DR.    S. 

[the  first  letteu  written  after  his  settlement  in 
charleston  ] 

charleston,  april  18,  1789. 
REV.    AND    DEAR    SIR, 

i>r  the  return  of  the  same  conveyance  which  brought 
me  your  very  acceptable  favour  of  (he  lOtb  of  Dec. 
last,  I  wrote  to  one  of  your  family,  and  desired  my  cor- 
dial thanks  for  it,  to  be  presented  to  you.  Particular 
circumstances  prevented  me  from  gratifying  my  wishes, 
in  writing  to  yourself  at  that  lime.  I  rely  on  your  well 
known  benevolence,  and  long  experienced  fiiendship, 
to  excuse  the  omission,  and  with  pleasure,  improve  the 
present  opportunity  for  returning  you  in  this  way,  my 
best  acknowledgemenls  for  your  much  valued  letter, 
and  for  all  the  instances  and  expressions  of  your  kind 
and  friendly  regards,  with  which  you  have  honored  me. 
The  generous  interest  which  your  worthy  family,  to- 
gether with  yourself,  take  in  my  concerns,  and  the 
pleasure  which  you  feel  in  what  contributes  to  my  hap- 
piness, afford  me  a  very  peculiar  satisfaction.  For 
such  testimonies  of  the  affectionate  remembrance  of  me, 
by  persons  whose  favourable  opinion  and  good  will,  is 
so  highly  flattering  and  pleasing  to  me,  what  adequate 
returns  can  I  make  ?  They  will  be  recollected  with  the 


22(J  LETTERS. 

liveliest  grafifude  ;  and  as  my  heart  has  long  cherished 
tie  sentiments  and  feelings  of  a  sincere  esteem,  and 
cordial  friendship  for  you,  and  can  never  forget  the 
many  improving  and  happy  hours,  which  1  have  enjoy- 
ed among  you ;  so  it  will,  I  think,  never  cease  to  feel 
itself  verj  tenderly  interested  in  jour  welfare,  and  fer- 
vently to  pray,  that  the  bountiful  Author  of  all  good, 
m^y  suilably  and  abundantly  reward  all  j^our  kindness 
shewn  to  me,  and  make  you  all  happy  in  every  blessing 
of  his  providence  and  grace. 

Your  excellent  hints  of  ad\ice,  are  worthy  of  your 
character,  your  age  and  experience  ;  and  I  hope  Ihey 
■will  be  remembered  by  me  for  the  government  of  my  con- 
duct, with  the  respect  and  reverence  due  to  the  coun- 
sels of  piety  and  wisdom  ;  and  with  the  regards  due  to 
the  dictates  of  an  affection  truly  paternal. 

I  feel  the  weight  of  the  charge  which  I  have  under- 
taken here  ;  and  under  a  consciousness  of  my  unworthi- 
ness  of  the  trUf»t  coiDmitted  to  me,  and  unfitness  for  the 
work  in  which  lam  employed,  I  find  sufficient  cause  for 
humiliation,  and  many  apprehensions.  But  I  desire  to  have 
my  dependence  still  placed,  and  fixed,  on  that  grace, 
"which  I  know  is  sufficient  for  me,  and  on  that  strength, 
"which  can  be  made  perfect  in  the  greatest  human  weak- 
ness. It  is  to  me  a  very  comfortable  circumstance  of 
my  situation  here,  that  the  benevolent  and  friendly  dis- 
position of  the  people,  whom  I  am  called  to  serve  in  the 
gospel,  inclines  them,  to  receive  such  services  as  1  am 
able  to  render  them,  with  all  the  candor  and  indulgence, 
which  I  could  reasonably  wish  or  expect.  May  that 
candor  and  indulgence,  and  all  their  kind,  and  respect- 
ful attentions  to  their  ministers,  be  graciously  recompens- 
ed, and  made  mutually  blessed,  in  the  abundant  success 


LETTERS.  221 

of  our  labours  ;  and  through  grace,  T  cannot  but  en- 
cofirage  the  hope,  that  we  shall  not  labour  allogelher  in 
vain.  Serious  impressions  of  religion  appear  to  be  son.e- 
times  made,  under  the  ministrations  of  the  word,  upon 
many  of  our  hearers,  and  particularly  upon  the  poor 
sons  of  Africa  and  slavery.  Several  individuals,  bo(h 
white  and  black,  have  been  lately  added  to  the  commun- 
ion of  our  cluirch. 

An  increasing  acquaintance  wiJh  the  congregation, 
contributes  to  make  me  more  and  more  sensible  of  the 
obligations  whicli  I  am  under  to  you  and  Dr.  Duffitldy 
f«r  your  friendly  agency  in  introducing  me  to  the  con- 
Dexion  in  wnich  I  am  now  united  with  a  people,  from 
whose  religious  character,  friendly  dispositions,  and  pol- 
ished manners,  the  pastoral  relation  naturally  becomes 
as  pleasing  and  delightful,  as  it  is  in  ilself  important  and 
interesting.  It  remains  for  me  only  to  wish  (hat  I  may 
never  dishonor  the  partiality  of  Ihe  worthy  friends  to 
"whom  I  am  so  much  indebted.  My  worthy  colleague, 
your  friends,  I  believe,  in  general  here,  together  with 
myself,  are  in  usual  health.  Present  my  best  regards 
and  wishes  to  Mr.  S.  and  all  the  family.  With  great  es- 
teem and  aifection,  1  am  your,  and  their  obliged  friend. 

ISAAC  S.   KEITH. 

TO    REV.    DR.    G. 

CHARLESTON,  APRIL  20,  1790. 

REV.  AND  DEAR   SIR, 

Has  not  the  poet  elegantly  and  em- 
phatically expressed  it  ?  "Procrastination  is  the  thief 
of  time."  And  the  truth  of  the  expression,  whose  expe- 
rience   has    not    in  a  thousand    instances   confirmed  ? 


222  LETTERS. 

As  for  myself,  I  feel  it  every  week,  in  the  loss  of  almost 
days  ;  and  every  day,  in  the  loss  of  hours,  stolen  from 
me  by  the  habit  of  deferring  something,  that  claims  an 
immediate  attention,  and  might  be  done  at  the  present 
time,  to  a  more  convenient  season.  Many  of  these  things 
will,  of  course,  be  left  undone  ;  and  many  of  them,  which 
cannot  be  finally  and  totally  neglected,  will  be  done 
in  a  manner  in  which  they  ought  not  to  be  done.  The 
review  of  such  delays,  and  of  their  consequences,  has 
seldom  failed  to  awaken  resiret.  I  wish  I  were  not 
obliged  to  add,  and  has  almost  as  seldojn  served  to  pro- 
mote amendment.  • 
These  reflections  have  been  renewed  in  my  mind, 
and  naturally  led  my  pen  to  begin  this  letter  in  the  man- 
ner which  you  see,  by  the  circumstance  of  readiiiii'  over 
again,  what  I  had  several  times  read  before,  your  val- 
ued letter  of  the  26th  of  February,  ult. 

I  sincerely  thank  you  for  your  letter,  and  all  that  it 
contains.  The  expressions  of  your  friendly  regards 
for  me,  are  very  pleasing,  as  I  cannot  but  think  it  par- 
ticularly desirable  to  possess  the  esteem  of  those  who 
themselves  deserve  it.  And  the  assurance  which  it 
gives  of  your  disposition,  to  maintain  the  correspondence 
begun,  is  not  less  acceptable  to  me  ;  as  it  promises  me 
much  pleasure  and  improvement. 

You  have  also  my  best  acknowledgements  for  the  copy 
0*  your  sermon,  which  accompanied  your  letter.  The 
occasion  on  which  it  was  delivered,  was  truly  solemn, 
and  to  every  reflecting  and  well  disposed  mind,  deeply 
interesting  and  affecting. 

Dr.  DufSeld's  death  will  be  felt  much  more  exten- 
sively, than  by  his  own  congregation  ;  and  especially 
in  your  church  judicatories,  of  which  he  was  a  well  in- 


LETTERS.  22\j 

formed,  indusirioiis,  zealous,  and  useful  member.  If  is 
regrefted  by  many  of  our  church  here,  by  whom  he  was 
personally  known,  and  highly  esteemed.  The  abridge- 
ment of  his  character,  as  it  appeared  in  your  papers, 
was  transferred  into  ours  ;  and  by  some  good  judges  of 
the  truth,  as  well  as  of  the  style,  1  have  heard  it  pro- 
nounced justly  and  elegantly  drawn. 

With  respect  to  the  measure  which  you  recom- 
mend, that  some  communications  relative  to  our  pro- 
fessional character  and  business,  should  have  a  place  in 
our  letters,  my  sentiments  entirely  coincide  with  your 
own.  Communications  of  this  kind,  made  in  this  way, 
are  certainly  peculiarly  adapted  to  be  useful,  to  the 
parties  concerned  in  the  correspondence.  And  if  in 
this  case,  I  should  be  the  only  gainer,  as  I  certainly 
shall  be  chiefly  so,  in  regard  to  instruction  and  improve- 
ment received,  I  hope  ihat  notwithstanding,  you  will 
not  hesitate  freely  to  impart ;  as  the  advantage  in  anoth- 
er point  of  view,  will  be  no  less  in  your  favour  ;  since 
according  to  the  maxim  of  the  Divine  Aufhor  of  our  re- 
ligion, "  It  is  more  blessed  to  give,  than  to  receive." 

The  sample  which  you  have  already  given  of  the  meas- 
ure which  you  have  recommended,  is  on  a  very  impor- 
tant point.  All  that  you  have  said  upon  it  is,  I  think, 
perfectly  j'lst ;  and  is  far  from  appearing  in  my  view  too 
much.  If  you  have  any  more  observations,  as  you  seera 
to  intimate  that  you  have,  to  ofier  uponit,  I  shall  receive^ 
them  with  pleasure,  and  I  trust  not  without  some  profit. 

Of  the  two  different  methods  of  preaching,  the  ab- 
stracted and  the  theoretical ;  the  plain  and  practical  ;  I 
think  with  you,  that  on  every  account,  and  with  respect 
toall  descriptions  of  hearers,  the  preference  is  unques- 
tionably  to  be  given  to  the  latter.     For  the  reasons 


224  XETTERS. 

whicb  jou  have  suggested  in  the  case  of  all  preachers  ; 
and  in  my  own  case  for  another  reason,  which  if  iioi  so 
good  an  one,  must  at  least  be  allowed  to  be  a  weishty 
one  with  me  ;  I  mean,  because  I  am  conscious  that  if  I 
possess  any  talent  for  preaching,  it  is  not  that  of  treat- 
ing a  subject  en  thesi.  But  if  I  thougtit  I  could  do 
much  more  and  better,  than  I  know  I  am  able  to  do  in 
that  wav,  I  certainly  would  not  with  my  present  senti- 
ments of  its  utility,  attempt  it  much  more  than  I  have 
done.  The  Utile,  indeed,  ought  never,  I  believe,  to 
be  connected  with  the  idea  of  such  preaching  ;  and  as 
to  the  Dulci,  I  think  it  can  make  no  pretensions  to  it. 
To  me  it  conveys  the  idea  of  a  laborious  waste  of  study, 
and  time  to  the  preacher;  and  of  the  still  more  de- 
plorable loss  of  a  most  precious  and  inestimable  seasoa 
to  the  hearers.  Under  this  impression,  I  aim  only  at 
the  plain  and  practical  method  in  my  sermons  ;  but 
"with  what  propriety  or  success,  must  be  left  with  those 
who  hear  them,  to  judge. 

What  is  the  usual  length  of  your  discourses?  Mine 
very  seldom  extend  to  three  quarters  of  an  hour,  and 
most  commonly  fall  short  of  forty  minutes.  I  never 
beard  that  they  were  too  short  ;  but  have  sometimes 
had  hints,  that  they  would  not  have  been  less  accepta- 
ble, if  they  had  been  shorter.  But  the  length  of  a  ser- 
mon I  know,  is  not  always  measured  by  ti^i^  ;  so  that 
the  time  which  would  appear  long  for  one  of  mine, 
might  appear  very  short  for  that  of  another  person. 
Newton,  whose  character  for  good  sense,  and  accurate 
observation,  is  not  inferior  to  that,  by  which  he  is  dis- 
tin?:uished  for  his  piety,  in  one  of  his  letters,  under  the 
title  of  Cardiphonia,  unites  bis  own,  with  the  prevails- 
ing  voice,  against  long  sermons  ;  but  allows  an  hour  ta 


LETTERS.  220 

be  a  tolerable  length  in  ordinarj  cases.  To  a  brother 
clerg/man,  who  sometimes  held  out  to  two  hours,  he 
observes,  that  when  weariness  begins,  edification  ends  ; 
and  that,  therefore,  "  it  is  better  to  feed  the  people  like 
chickens,  a  little  at  a  time  and  often  ;  than  to  cram 
them  like  turkeys,  till  they  cannot  hold  one  gobbet 
more." 

He  is  also,  I  find,  a  friend  to  extempore  preaching, 
as  a  mode  more  favourable  to  familiar  language,  and  to 
gain  the  attention  of  the  people,  than  writing  and  read- 
ing. Memoriter  preaching  will,  I  presume,  answer  the 
latter  purpose,  as  well  as  the  extempore  kind  ;  and  in 
almost  all  other  respects,  seems  to  have  greatly  the  ad- 
vantage of  it.  But  whatever  may  be  the  recommenda- 
tion of  extempore  preaching,  I  cannot  think  of  practis- 
ing it  ;  and  among  other  reasons  against  it,  because  to 
Die  it  appears  to  be  impracticable,  partly  perhaps  for 
"want  of  courage,  and  partly,  and  chiefly,  for  want  of  a 
sufficient  fund  of  ideas,  and  a  ready  command  of  lan- 
guage, to  express  those  that  might  present  themselves. 
I  have  indeed  often  heard  it  attempted  by  those  who 
were  not  over-rich  in  either  ;  but  the  success  did  not 
speak  much  in  favour  of  the  attempt.  Do  you  ever 
make  any  extemporaneous  excursions  beyond  the  lines 
which  your  pen  had  previously  marked  out  ?  In  the 
few  essays  that  I  have  ever  made  in  this  way,  I  have 
always  fared  just  as  I  have  done  in  all  my  endeavours 
to  learn  to  swim  ;  I  have  immediately  sunk,  and  eager- 
ly hastened  back  to  the  ground  which  I  had  left. 

If  I  should  add  much  more  to   this  lettei;,  I  fear  you 

will  be  led,  from  the  citation  from  Cardiphonia  in  the 

last  page,  to  conclude,   that  I  consider,    and  mean  to 

treat  you,  like  one  of  Newton's  turkeys.     Yet,  if  other 
29 


226  LETTERS. 

letfers,  and  oilier  ensrogeDients,  did  not  demand  a  share 
of  my  present  atfenlion,  I  should  stll!  write  on,  per- 
haps to  the  bottom  of  the  next  pa2;e.  And  even  as 
things  are,  this  will  probably  be  the  case. 

#0/-         ^         <Z,        *W.         M,        JA,         <A.        Ji, 
•?>        'TV'       '7^       "T?       '7^       '7?       'ff       '7^ 

The  redemption  of  time  is  one  of  the  most  valuable 
Christian  arts,  but  one  in  which  I  feel  myself  extreme- 
ly unskilled.  And  surely  there  is  no  deficiency  more 
to  be  regretted,  or  that  can  be  more  detrimental,  as  its 
injurious  consequences  reach,  not  only  through  all  the 
stages  of  the  present  life,  but  through  all  the  periods  of 
a  future  immortality. 

Can  you  tell  me  how  to  guard  more  effectually  against 
the  danger  of  being  robbed,  as  I  am  every  day,  of  some 
everlasting  treasure,  which  might  be  laid  up  by  some 
good  done,  that  is  omitted  ?  But  I  am  sensible  that 
it  is  not  information  that  I  most  need  on  this  subject. 
For  in  this,  as  in  innumerable  other  instances, 

*•  T  see  the  right,  and  I  appreve  it  too  ; 
Conclemij  the  wrong,  and  yet  the  wrong  pursue." 

And  so  it  will  be,  till  I  am  more  careful  to  avail  myself 
of  that  grace,  which  is  sufficient  for  me,  and  of  that 
strength  which  can  be  made  perfect  in  my  weakness. 
You  find  no  doubt,  as  well  as  myself,  that  among  a  nu- 
merous people  much  time  must  be  devoted,  or  if  you 
like  the  expression  better,  sacrificed,  to  visits  :  for 
many  of  them  will  be  of  such  a  nature,  as  to  be  recol- 
lected only  for  the  awakening  of  the  mqrtifying  and 
painful  reflection,  how  much  better  might  the  time  have 
been  employed  !  Yet  if  we  possessed,  as  we  ought  to 
do,  the  prudence  of  the  serpent,  united  with  the  inno» 
cence  of  the  dove,  and  the  courage  becoming  the  soldiera 


LETTERS,  22T 

of  Jesus  Chrisf,  we  miiiht  improve  even  the  visits 
wi]ich  rmisl  be  made,  as  well  as  those  which  we  would 
choose  to  make,  to  the  purposes  of  acquiiiug  knowledge 
ourselves,  more  useful  than  any  which  books  can  sup- 
pi  v,  and  of  suggesting  and  recommending  to  oihers, 
more  profiiable  instruction,  than  any  which  we  can 
communicaie  in  our  public  discourses.  If  is  well  worth 
while  lo  study  how  we  may  properly  preach  from  house 
to  house  ;  for  it  may  be  made  the  most  practical,  and 
has  often  proved  the  most  persuasive,  kind  of  preaching. 

Our  worthy  friend  Mr.  B.  was  lately  chosen  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Convention,  for  new  modellinsi;  (he  constitu- 
tion of  this  state  ;   (o  meel  the  beginning  of  next  month. 

With  affn'ctionafe  regards  to  Mrs.  G.  1  am,  with  great 
sincerity  and  respect,  yours, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 


TO    MRS.    K. 

CHARLESTON,    AUGUST    27,    1791. 

MY    DEAR    WIFE, 

1  HIS  is  intended  to  go  in  the  schoon- 
er Friendship,  Capt,  W.  Befoie  it  can  reach  Phila- 
delphia, I  hope  you  will  be  safely  landed  there,  and  re- 
joicing with  our  friends  in  the  goodness  and  mercy  of 
the  Lord,  to  whom  you  have  cried  tor  counsel,  protec- 
tion, help,  and  all  needful  grace  ;  and  who  performeth 
all  things  for  you  and  me,  and  all  who  have  ever  sought 
him  as  their  God,  and  have  thought  it  good  for  them, 
that  they  should  both  hope,  and  quietly  wait  for  the 
salvation  of  the  Lord. 

When   you  left  Charleston,  I  think  you  were  enabled 
to  possess  a  composure  of  mind,  which  was  far  beyond 


228  LETTERS.^ 

any  thing  (hat  could  be  attained  by  the  best  efforts  of 
your  feeble  timid  nature.  In  my  view-,  it  was  such  as 
could  result  only  from  that  faith,  which  is  the  gift  of 
God  ;  and  which  is  the  evidence  of  things  not  seen,  and 
the  substance  of  things  hoped  for.  With  you,  I  felt 
disposed  to  believe,  thai  as  you  had  cotiimilted  your 
way  to  the  Lord,  trusting  also  in  him,  that  he  would 
bring  it  to  pass;  so  he  would  accordingly  be  with  yoa 
in  (he  way  in  which  you  were  going,  and  conduct  you 
to  your  father's  house  in  peace  ^*  and  thus  remember 
to  you  the  word  upon  which  he  had  caused  you  to  hope, 
and  give  you  the  desire  of  your  heart  in  a  comfortable 
meeting  with  the  dear  fauiily,  and  other  valued  friends, 
from  whom  you  had  been  so  long  separated,  and  whom 
you  were  so  solicitous  to  see. 

It  will  be  \ery  pleasing  to  me  to  hear,  that  our  ex- 
pectaiions  have  not  been  disappointed  ;  and  that  you 
have  again  found,  that  the  already  tried  promises,  are 
the  sure  promises  of  everlasting  truth,  and  all  yea,  and 
amen  in  Christ.  And  surely,  by  the  first  opportuni- 
ty you  will  inform  me  of  your  arrival,  and  of  many  par- 
tictdars  of  your  voyage,  and  your  reception  in  Phila- 
delphia ;  so  that  in  the  renewed  mercies,  which  you 
have  experienced,  I  may  rejoice  with  you,  and  that, 
distant  as  we  now  are  from  each  other,  I  may,  notwith- 
standing, magnify  the  Lord  with  yoxi,  and  together  \»\{h. 
you  exalt  his  name*  In  this  most  reasonable  and  de- 
lightful service,  I  hope  in  due  season,  to  join  wiih  you 
in  a  more  literal  sense,  and  a  more  comfortable  manner, 
than  our  present  circumstances  will  permit. 

While  our  thanksgivings  are  offered  up  together  for 
mercies  already  experienced,  let  us  not  forget  or  ne- 

*  Geu.  xxviii.  20. 


LETTERS.  229 

gleet  to  be  found  helping  together,  by  prayer  for  each 
other,  that  we  may  be  favoured  with  that  Divine  pro- 
t**«rion  and  guidance,  support  and  comfort,  and  various 
grace  which  we  si  ill  need  duri^r^  our  separation  ;  and 
which  indeed  will  be  always  equally  necessary  to  us, 
through  the  journey  of  life,  whether  we  are  travelling 
in  it  alone,  or  in  company. 

A  fellow  traveller  in  this  journey,  whose  sentiments, 
views,  ajBfections,  and  every  interest,  so  unite  and  accord 
with  one's  own,  as  to  become  in  reality  the  sam.e,  is  tru- 
ly a  jnost  desirable  blessing  ;  and  a  blessing  which  has 
certainly  laid  me  under  many  obligations,  most  thank- 
fully to  acknowledge  the  \Aise  and  tender  care  and 
mercy  of  the  Lord,  who  has  provided  such  an 
helpmeet  for  me.  Of  the  advantages  and  comforts  of 
such  a  connexion,  the  nearest  and  the  tenderest  in  life, 
neither  of  us,  have,  I  believe,  been  insensible.  Yet  as 
we  often  best  learn  the  value  of  our  enjoyments,  when 
we  are  deprived  of  them,  perhaps  the  temporary  sus- 
pension of  some  of  ours  in  the  present  instance,  may 
serve  to  promote  among  other  good  purposes,  a  temper 
of  thoughifulrtess  to  the  blessed  Author  of  every  good 
and  perfect  gift,  who  bestows,  withdraws,  and  restores 
the  comforts  of  life  at  his  pleasure  ;  and  to  excite  us  to 
improve  them,  when  they  are  again  returned,  more  to 
his  praise. 

Ever  since  you  crossed  the  bar,  the  wind  has  been 
as  favourable  for  your  voyage,  as  your  heart  or  mine 
could  wish.  If  it  has  been  so  with  you,  the  goodness 
andmercy  of  the  Lord  have  surely  followed  you  on  the 
wings  of  the  wind.  And  if  it  has  been  so  ordered, 
may  not  this  circumstance  be  justly  regarded  as  an 
answer  to  prayer,  and  a  part  of  the  reward  of  a  patient 


230  LETTERS. 

waiting  upon  llie  Lord  ;  and  what  then  can  be  more 
reasonable,  than  the  most  cheerful,  affectionate,  and  fer- 
vent returns  of  praiae  to  Him,  who  cornmandelh  the 
winds  and  the  seas,  and  they  obey  him  ?  Could  you 
have  expected  such  a  long  epistle  so  shortly  after  your 
sailing.  I  have  felt  a  particular  pleasure  and  consola- 
tion in  talking  to  you,  though  only  on  paper,  and  while 
you  were  flying  from  rae  a  thousand  times  faster  than 
my  pen  could  move  towards  you.  Give  my  tender  love 
to  our  dear  parents,  and  affectionate  remembrance  to  all 
inquiring  f(  iends. 

I  commend  you  to  God,  and  the  word  of  his  grace.  I 
know  I  shall  not  be  forgotten  in  the  family,  and  partic- 
ularly by  my  dearest  friend  ;  and  you  may  rest  assur- 
ed of  your  retaining  all  the  interest  you  can  wish  to  hold, 
ki  the  heart  of  your  affectionate 

IS^AC  S.  KEITH. 


i^^ 


TO  THOMAS  BENNETT,  ESQ.    JOHn's  ISLAND. 

ON    THE    DEATH    OF    A    CHILD. 

With  you,  my  dear  Sir,  with  all  the  familj,  and  es- 
pecially the  bereaved  parents,  we  sincerely  sympa- 
thize under  the  painful  stroke  of  a  Father's  hand, 
which  has  called  so  many  to  mourn.  But  blessed  be 
his  name,  for  the  encouragement  gixen  in  his  gospel, 
that  in  this  case,  we  are  not  called  to  "  sorrow,  as  those 
who  have  no  hope  ;"  but  rather  to  comfort  our  own  and 
each  other's  hearts  with  the  words  of  Jesus,  who  gath- 
ers the  lambs  in  his  arms,  and  carries  them  in  his  bo- 
som ;  and  by  the  solemn  voice  of  death,  as  well  as  in 
the  tender  language  of  the  covenant  of  his  grace,  in  the 


LETTERS.  231 

•rdinance  of  baptism,  says,  "  Suffer  the  little  cliildren, 
and  forbid  I  hem  not  lo  cooie  unto  me,  for  of  such  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven." 

Is  this  lovely  and  promising,  and  lately  beloved  and 
endeared  babe,  now  wiih  her  and  our  Lord  in  his  heav- 
enly kingdom  ?  She  muM  there  be  happy  ;  happy  for- 
ever, and  unspeakably  more  happy,  than  the  affection- 
ate hearts  of  her  fondest  connexions  on  earth,  can  con- 
ceive.    Let  them  not  then  weep  inronsolably  for  her  : 
but  let  them   humbly    and  quietly  submit,   to  the  holy 
hand  that  has  so  soon  smitten  their  pleasant  and  flour- 
ishing ground,  in  which  they  took  so  much  delight,  and 
from  which  they  promised  theniselves,  probably  much 
more,    than  the  creature  is  permitted  'o  aive.     Consol- 
ed with  (he  consideration,  that   the   idolized  creature  is 
so  early  removed   from   the  e\  il  to  con>e,   let    all    who 
feel  and  lament  the  disappointment  of  their  fond  wishes 
and  hopes  for  this  world,  under  this  bereaving  Provi- 
dence, now  awaken   their    solicitude,  and  offer  up  their 
earnest  prayers,  that    it   may  be  divinely  sanctified  to 
work  for  their  good,   in  the  promotion  of  their  spiritual 
interests,    and  everlastins;  happiness.     The  most  pain- 
ful  loss,  of  creature  and    morlal  comforts,  will  be  pro- 
ductive of  the  richest  gain  to   the  soul,  which  by  such 
means  is  constrained   to   resort  to,  and  to  rest  in,   the 
Lord,  the  Creator  and  Redeemer,  as  its  refuge  and  por- 
tion, in  the  land  of  the  living.     To  this  most  desirable 
and   important   purpose,  may   this  affecting  event,    be 
blessed   to  all  concerned  in  it  !    And  may  the  God  of 
all  grace,  prepare  and  open    the    hearts  of  all  who  are 
again  called  by  it  into  the  house  of  mourning,  to  receive 
those   consolations  of  God,  which  are    not  small,  and 
which,  to  sincere  believers^  and  humble  mourners^  are 


232  LETTERS. 

made  (o  abound  through  Christ  Jesus,  as  their  sorrows 
have  abounded  ! 

In  sympathizing  regards,  and  prayers  for  the  family, 
Mrs.  K.  joins  with  your  sincere  friend, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 

TO  REV.   DR.  SPROAT. 

CHARLESTON,   AUGUST  17,   1795. 

REV.  AND  DEAR  FATHER, 

On  Sabbath  evening,  the  11  th 
inst,  Capt.  S.  handed  us  your  kind  letter  of  the  29th  of 
July.  In  your  present  afflicted  state,  we  esteemed  it 
a  particular  kindness  and  favour,  that  you  should  wr'te 
to  us  again  so  soon  after  your  letter,  with  which  we 
were  favoured  by  Capt.  S.  For  that  favour,  M;s.  K. 
has  returned  by  Capt.  S.  our  thankful  acknowledge- 
ments, with  affectionate  expressions  of  tender  sympa- 
thy with  our  dear  parents,  under  their  afflictions,  and  of 
our  desire  and  hope  that  they  may  be  removed,  or  alle- 
viated, as  may  seem  best  to  the  wisdom  of  God.  It  is 
with  much  satisfaction  that  we  learn  by  your  last  let- 
ter, that  your  pains  were  considerably  abated  ;  and  that 
our  mother's  complaint,  though  it  continued,  was  not 
worse.  Your  complaints  respectively,  may  be  trou- 
blesome, and  your  own  in  particular,  may  be  often  dis- 
tressing ;  but  in  my  view  they  do  not  appear  to  be  very 
threatening  to  the  hope  which  we  are  disposed  to  cher- 
ish, that  you  may  both  of  you  be  mercifidly  spared  for 
years  to  come,  for  the  great  comfort  and  benefit  of  your 
family  and  friends,  and  of  the  church  of  Christ.  In 
the  mean  time,  if  it  should  please  the  only  wise  God,  to 
continue  his  afflicting  hand  upon  you,  1  doubt  not  but 
that  he  will  give  you  the  sanctified  use  of  your  afflic- 


LETTER  8.  2^8 

tions,  bv  blessing  them  to  the  purposes  of  making  you 
partakers,  more  and  more,  of  his  holiness  on  earth,  and 
of  promoting  jour  growing  meelness  for  that  eternal  rest 
and  fulness  of  joy,  which,  1  believe,  await  you  in  his 
presence  in  heaven  ;  and  that  he  will  also  grant  you  the 
coaifortable  evidences  of  his  gracious  presence  with 
you,  through  all  the  remainder  of  that  right  way,  in 
which  he  is  conducting  you  to  the  city  of  habitation, 
prepared  for  you  ;  and  enable  you  to  continue  to  pos- 
sess your  souls  in  patience  and  peace,  believing,  hoping, 
and  often  rejoicing,  in  his  promises,  by  which  he  assures 
his  people  of  strength  according  to  their  day  ;  that  he 
will  never  !eav€  nor  forsake  them  ;  that  all  things  shall 
work  together  for  their  good  ;  that  no  temptation  shall 
overtake  them,  but  what  they  shall  be  enabled  to  bear ; 
and  that  through  all  their  tribulations  and  sufferings, 
they  shall  be  kept  by  his  power  through  faith  unto  sal- 
vation. Such  is  our  comfortable  hope  concerning  you, 
and  correspondent  to  this  are  our  prayers  for  you. 
And  we  desire  to  be  thankful,  that,  while  in  all  your 
afflictions  we  are  afflicted,  we  are  also  comforted  with 
(he  persuasion,  that  to  you,  belong  all  those  consola- 
tions of  God,  which  are  not  small  :  that  the  Lord  God 
is  now  your  hope,  who  has  been  your  trust  from  your 
youth  up  :  that  now  when  you  are  old,  your  God  will 
not  forsake  you  ;  and  that  under  all  your  weaknesses 
and  infirmities,  you  will  be  enabled  to  go  on  in  the 
strength  of  your  Redeemer,  making  mention  of  his 
righteousness,  even  of  his  only,  declaring  the  wonders 
of  his  grace  ;  rejoicing  with  thankful  praise  in  his  salva- 
tion ;  and  quietly  waiting,  with  a  cheering  hope,  for 
your  removal  to  that  desirable  state  in  which  all  the 
I'edeemed  of  the  Lord  shall  meet  together,  with  song* 
50 


234  LETTERS. 

and  everlasting  joy  upon  their  heads  ;  and  where  fhey 
shall  obtain  joy  and  gladness,  sorrow  and  sighing 
shall  flee  away.  O  how  happy  are  the  people  that  are 
in  such  a  case,  and  that  have  such  a  joy  in  prospect  ! 
Happy  infieed  are  such,  whatever  they  may  now  be 
called  to  suffer  in  the  flesh  ;  for  all  their  present  suf- 
ferings, are  only  light  afl3ictions,  and  but  for  a  moment, 
compared  with  the  far  more  exceeding,  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory,  which  they  are  working  out  for  them. 
Pray  my  dear  parents,  that  together  with  yoursehesj 
the  unworthy  writer  of  this  may,  through  grace,  have 
his  share  in  this  happiness  !  In  afl9ictions  of  different 
kinds,  I  have  had,  for  my  time  of  life,  a  considerable 
share  ;  and  1  have  sometimes  thought  that  it  was  indeed 
good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afllicted.  But  if  they 
have  been  really  beneficial,  so  transient  have  been  the 
good  effects  of  them,  or  the  impressions  which  my  heart 
has  retained  of  the  cause  for  which  they  were  sent,  and 
of  the  useful  purposes  which  they  were  intended  and 
fitted  to  serve,  that  it  has  been  hitherto  necessary, 
that  the  same  discipline  should  be  frequently  used,  to 
teach  me  again  the  same  forgotten  lessons  of  wisdom 
and  piety.  And  if  God  has  any  designs  of  final  mercy 
and  love  to  accomplish  in  and  for  me,  I  have  reason  to 
expect,  on  the  same  principles,  that,  should  life  be  spared, 
many  afflictions  still  await  me.  May  the  sanctifying 
blessings  of  God,  only  attend  the  dispensations  of  his 
providence  !  and  then  all,  will  be  not  only  right  in  it* 
self,  but  well  with  respect  to  us.  And  could  we  be  al- 
ways! satisfactorily  persuaded  of  this,  we  should  then 
find  little  difficulty  in  saying,  concerning  God's  deal- 
ings with  us  ;  "  Lord,  what  thou  wilt  ;  how  thou  wilt ; 
and  when  thou  wilt  ?"     But  to  this  purpose,  I  find  great 


LETTERS.  233 

reason    for   daily    renewing    that   important  petition, 
"  Lord, help  thou  ray  unbelief,  and  increase  my  faith." 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 


TO    MISS    O.    SPROAT. 

AFTER    THE    DEATH    OF    HER    FATHER,      AND    OTHERS   OF    THl 
FAMILiY,    OF    THE    YELLOW    FEVER. 

CHARLESTON,    DECEMBER    2,    179S. 
MY  VERF  DEAR  SISTER, 

JL  OUR  sad  story  of  many  and 
great  sorrows,  though  not  altogether  sad,  as  it  con- 
tained some  rich  and  strong  consolations,  was  convey- 
ed to  us  by  the  hand  of  a  good  Providence,  in  the  course 
of  the  past  week. 

All  the  afflictive  news  which  it  repeated,  we  had 
heard  about  three  or  four  weeks  before,  with  some  ad- 
ditions afterwards,  for  which  we  have  the  satisfaction 
now  to  learn,  that  there  was  no  foundation.  During 
the  interval  between  the  time  when  the  intelligence 
was  first  communicated  to  us,  and  the  receipt  of  your 
kind  letter,  we  were  waiting,  not  without  some  anxiety, 
though,  I  trust,  at  the  same  time,  with  some  degree  of 
quiet  submission,  for  more  particular  information,  which 
^e  hoped  would  be  of  such  a  nature  as  to  minister 
some  desirable  comfort,  under  the  pressure  of  our  heavy 
and  sore  troubles  ;  and,  thanks  be  to  a  merciful  and  gra- 
cious God,  we  have  not  been  disappointed. 

All  these  painful  bereaving  strokes  of  the  hand  of  a 
most  wise  and  holy  God,  I  feel,  with  my  poor  dear 
wife,   with  you  my  dear  afflicted  sister^  and  with  our 


236  LETTERS. 

dear  widowed  mother,  and  all  llie  surviving  members 
of  our  now  diatiessed  familj  ;  I  feel  them,  as  in  ever j  re- 
spect my  own  ;  and  with  all  the  others  who  suffer  un- 
der them,  I  take  all  the  tender  afflictive  share  in  them, 
that  the  obduracy,  and  stupidity  of  my  heart  will  ad- 
rait.  Dear  N.  she  was  to  me  a  very  lovely  and  pleas- 
ant sister.  Our  worthy  brother  W.  He  was  my  kind  and 
faithful  friend,  for  whom  my  heart  cherished  a  sincere 
and  growing  esteem  and  affection  ;  and  his  dear  M. 
though  not  personally  known  to  me,  was  affectionately 
regarded  as  she  was  united  with  him  in  the  nearest  and 
leuderest  of  all  mortal  ties.  And  O,  my  father  !*  He 
was  entitled  to,  and  he  had  from  me,  all  the  veneration 
and  love,  with  which  I  was  capable  of  honoring  any  per- 
son on  earth,  under  that  important  name,  and  in  that  in- 
teresting relation.  Concerning  them  all,  I  can  truly 
feay,  that  they  were  not  less,  if  not  more,  endeared  to 
me,  than  my  father,  or  any  of  my  brothers  or  sisters  of 
my  own  flesh  and  blood,  from  whom  I  was  separated, 
at  an  early  period  of  life,  and  with  whom  I  have  never 
since  been  permitted  to  enjoy  much  personal  inter- 
course. So  that  as  far  as  my  nature  is  capable  of  feel- 
ing, you  may  be  assured,  that  I  enter  into  all  the  pres- 
ent feelings  of  my  dear,  excellent  mother,f  and  of  all 
her  remaining  children,  my  dear  sisters  and  brothers, 
as  well  as  those  of  my  own  wife,  my  other  self,  under 
the  heavy  load  of  affliction  which  it  has  pleased  God  to 
lay  upon  our  poor  family.  With  you,  my  dear  O,  who 
have  been  called  to  act  so  arduous  a  part,  in  the  try- 
ing, awful  scene,  through  which  you  have  been  so  won- 

*  Dr.  Sproat. 

•j-  She  was  dead  when  this  letter  was  written,  though  ifc  was  not  knowR 
io  Dr.  and  Mrs.  K. 


LETTERS.  237 

derfully  conducted,  by  the  good  hand  of  your  God  up- 
on you  ;  and  with  all  the  rest  of  the  family,  who  have 
not  yet  been  swept  away  with  the  flood  of  death.  I 
feel  that  m  the  interesting,  tender  names,  of  father, 
brother,  and  sister,  the  desire  of  our  eyes,  has  been 
taken  away  with  a  stroke  !  But  it  is  the  Lord,  who  has 
the  most  absolute  and  unquestionable  right  to  do  unto 
all  of  us,  as  seemeth  unto  him  good,  who  has  done  this  ; 
and  it  becomes  us  all  to  be  dumb,  and  not  to  open  our 
mouths  in  a  single  coaiplaint,  or  to  indulge  in  our  hearts 
a  single  murmuring  thought,  against  the  dispensation. 
"  He  is  a  rock,  bis  work  is  perfect  ;  for  all  his  ways 
are  judgment  ;  a  God  of  truth  and  without  iniquity, 
just  and  right  is  he."  Behold  he  taketh  away,  and  who 
can  hinder  him  ?  Who  will  say  unto  him,  what  doest 
thou?  Though  *  clouds  and  darkness  may  be  round 
about  him  ;  righteousness  and  judgment  are  the  habita- 
tion of  his  thtone.  And  as  he  reigns,  and  will  forever 
reign,  and  his  counsel  shall  stand,  and  he  will  do  all  his 
pleasure,  and  will  always  do  that  which  is  right,  and 
can  never  do  any  wrong  to  any  of  his  creatures  ;  it  be- 
comes us  to  rejoice  in  his  government,  to  be  humbly 
resigned  to  his  disposal,  and  to  be  entirely  satisfied, 
that  all  the  will  of  the  Lord  should  be  done.  For  quiet 
submission,  and  sweet  acquiescence  in  his  will,  we 
have,  as  appears  by  your  letter,  every  reason  and  mo- 
tive that  we  could  well  desire,  under  our  present  trial  ; 
which,  while  it  constrains  us  to  weep,  reminds  us  at  the 
same  time,  that  we  ought  not  to  sorrow  as  those  who 
have  no  hope  ;  since  our  dear  departed  friends,  at  their 
death,  have  left  us  such  comfortable  ground  for  hoping, 
that  they  have  fallen  asleep  in  Jesus,  and  are  now  at  rest 
^vithhim.     And  in  such  circumstances  it  becomes  us^ 


238  LETTERS. 

not  only  to  weep  as  though  we  wept  not,  but  to  be  sat- 
isfied and  thankfid  ;  persuaded  that  these  events  which 
may  appear  to  be  most  against  us,  may  be  easily  made, 
and  certainly  are  adapted,  to  work  for  us.  Indeed,  if 
we  are  in  the  bonds  of  that  everlasting  covenant,  which 
our  God  has  made  with  his  people  through  his  beloved 
Son,  by  whose  blood  it  is  sealed  and  established,  and 
which  in  all  things  is  so  ordered,  and  so  sure,  that  it  is 
sufficient  to  be  all  our  salvation  and  all  our  desire  ;  we 
may  then  rest  assured,  that  all  things  shall  infallibly 
work  together  for  our  good.  One  special  good  effect^ 
among  others,  which  this  very  afflictive  dispensation  of 
Providence  should  produce  upon  all  of  us  who  suffer 
under  it,  is  to  withdraw  the  heart  from  its  dependence 
upon  the  creatures,  and  lo  engage  the  soul  to  seek  its  rest 
and  happiness  in  the  Creator  alone,  who  is  the  same 
yesterday,  and  to  day,  and  for  ever.  Happy  in  their 
consequences  will  be  those  strokes  of  death,  which  have 
smitten  the  delights  of  our  eyes,  and  the  joys  of  our 
hearts,  if  they  be  only  sanctified,  (for  which  we  ought 
fervently  to  pray)  thus  to  lead  us  to  choose  the  Lord 
alone  for  our  portion,  and  to  rejoice  in  him,  as  the  God 
of  our  salvation,  in  whose  favour  alone  our  life  can  be 
found,  and  from  whose  love  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord, 
his  people  shall  never  be  separated,  neither  by  life,  nor 
by  death,  by  things  present,  nor  by  things  to  come. 
Let  our  great  care  then  be  to  secure,  and  to  keep 
bright  and  clear,  the  evidences  of  our  interest  in  his  fa- 
vour, and  to  approve  ourselves  to  him  in  the  right  and 
acceptable  improvement  of  his  dealings  with  us  ;  and  in 
the  way  of  obedience  and  submission  to  his  will,  trust- 
ing in  the  righteousness  and  merits  of  our  all  sufficient 
Saviour,   let   us  wait  upon  him  for  his   consolations^ 


LETTERS.  239 

which  are  not  small,  and  which  then  he  will  not  fail  to 
grant  us  in  the  measure  which  he  sees  will  be  best  for 
us.  If  we  continue  submitting  ourselves  to  him,  and 
looking  and  praying  to  him,  he  will  in  his  own  time, 
bring  light  out  of  darkness,  joy  out  of  sorrow,  and  in  his 
own  way  make  the  light  afflictions  of  this  life,  which  are 
but  for  a  season,  work  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding,  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory.  Considering  these  tnings, 
and  remembering  that  we  are  strangers  and  sojourners 
on  earth,  whose  time  of  continuance  here  is  short  and 
most  uncertain,  let  us  moderate  our  grief  for  the  loss 
which  we  feel  from  the  removal  of  those  who  were  so 
valuable  and  dear  to  us  ;  and  let  it  be  our  principal 
concern,  to  be  follow^ers  of  our  departed  christian 
friends,  and  of  all  others,  who  through  faith  and  pa- 
tience are  gone  to  inherit  the  promises  ;  so  that  with 
them  we  may,  in  due  season,  meet  in  that  better  world, 
where  pious  friends,  shall,  without  any  fear  ofasepara^ 
tion,  dwell  together  for  ever  with  their  Lord  ;  and  mor- 
tality, with  all  its  evils,  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  ever- 
lasting life  and  joy. 

I  desire  to  be  thankful,  ray  dear  sister,  for  the  sup- 
ports and  consolations,  which  you,  and  my  dear  wife, 
and  I  trust,  others  of  the  family,  have  experienced  un- 
der this  heavy  and  distressing  trial.  And  we  shall,  I 
persuade  myself,  continue  mutually  to  remember  our 
obligations  to  pray  for  each  other,  that  as  we  are  par- 
takers of  the  same  afflictions,  we  may  also  be  partakers 
of  all  seasonable  and  needful  support  and  comfort,  and 
find,  that,  as  our  day  is,  so  is  our  strength  ;  and  that 
the  grace  of  our  Redeemer  may  be  found  sufficient  for 
us,  to  enable  us  to  do  and  suffer  the  will  of  God,  with 
a  truly  christian  temper,  to  his  praise,  to  the  benefit  of 


240  LETTERS. 

Others,  and  fo  the  furtherance  of  our  own  salvation ! 
May  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Father 
of  mercies,  the  God  of  all  cooifort,  who  comforteth  his 
people  in  all  their  tribulations,  be  the  widow's  God,  and 
the  Father  of  all  her  fatherless  children,  and  make  his 
consolations  abound  to  all  of  us,  as  our  sorrows  abound 
in  this  vale  of  tears.  And  as  we  shall  successively  be 
called  hence,  may  we,  by  his  grace,  be  prepared  for  the 
time  of  our  departure,  so  that  when  we  are  dismissed  from 
the  body,  we  may  be  admitted  to  dwell  for  ever  in  the 
presence  of  our  Lord  ;  receive  the  crown  of  righteous- 
ness, and  enjoy  that  eternal  life  which  he  has  promised 
to  all  his  humble  faithful  followers. 

That  God  may  be  with  you,  and  bless  you,  and  all 
the  dear  afflicted  family,  is  the  sincere  prayer  of  your 
aflfectionate,  sympathizing  friend  and  brother, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 


TO  REV.  DR.  G. 

CHARLESTON,   MARCH    1794. 
MY    DEAR    FRIEND, 

JL  OUR  very  valuable  packet,  by  Capf. 
G.  was  received  on  the  third  of  this  month  :  together 
with  a  letter,  by  the  same  conveyance,  from  our  dear 
sister  S.  In  what  temper  of  mind  these  truly  accepta- 
ble favours  found  us,  and  how  they  affected  us,  Solo- 
mon has  described  much  better  than  I  could,  when  he 
says,  "  Hope  deferred,  maketh  the  heart  sick  :  but 
ivhen  the  desire  cometh,  it  is  a  tree  of  life."  Nearly 
three  months  had  passed^  since  the  date  of  our  last  in^ 


LETTERS,  241 

telligence  from  our  friends  in  Philadelphia.  During  a 
great  proportion  of  (ha(  time,  we  had  been  looking  out, 
I  fear  with  soQie  measure  of  anxiety  and  impatience,  for 
fresh  information  ;  and  not  without  the  painful  appre- 
hension, from  the  tenor  of  our  last  accounts,  that  the 
next  might  be  in  some  respect  or  other,  again  afflictive. 
What  thanks  do  we  owe  to  our  good  God,  who  has  so 
kindly  disappointed  our  fears,  and  exceeded  our  hopes, 
in  permitting  us  once  more  to  hear  good  tidings,  of  the 
health  and  welfare  of  yourself  and  family,  and  of  the  re- 
maining members  of  our  own  poor  family,  who  had  escap- 
ed alive  from  the  jaws  of  the  devouring  grave,  which  has 
swallowed  up  so  many  of  our  best  and  dearest  friends, 
among  the  multitudes  of  your  mourning  city,  whom 
death  has  carried  away  with  the  desolating  violence  of 
a  wide  spreading  flood  !  After  all  the  messages  of  pain 
and  sorrow,  which  for  many  months  past  we  have  been 
accustomed  to  receive  and  expect  from  poor  Philadel- 
phia, to  hear  that  God  had  stayed  his  hand  in  the  way 
of  judgement, -and  seemed  to  have  returned  in  the  ex- 
ercise of  mercy,  to  our  surviving  friends  and  connex- 
Bons,  was  welcome  news  indeed,  and  a  most  desirable 
cordial  to  our  hearts.  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  and  with 
new  and  everlasting  thanksgivings  and  praises,  be  his 
name  exalted,  who  is  merciful  and  gracious,  and  will 
not  always  chide,  nor  keep  his  anger  for  ever  ;  but 
though  he  cause  grief,  yet  will  he  have  compassion  ac- 
cording to  the  multitude  of  his  mercief?,  and  make  his 
suffering  servants  glad,  according  to  the  days  wheyein 
he  has  affiicted  them  ! 

Concerning  the  sermon  ;*  perhaps  Mrs.  K.  and  my- 
self, are  too  deeply  and  tenderly  interested,  in  the  soI° 

•  The  funeral  sermon  on  the  death  of  Dr.  Sproat^ 

31 


242  LETTERS, 

cran  and  affecting  occasion  of  it,  to  form  an  impartial 
judgement  of  tbe  merit  of  the  performance.  To  us  it 
appears  to  be  an  excellent  discourse,  such  as  might  be 
expected  from  the  superior  talents  of  its  ingenious  au- 
thor, judiciously  adapted  to  the  pecuh'ar  circumstances 
in  which  it  was  delivered,  and  furnishing  a  just,  honor- 
able, and  instructive  testimony  to  the  piety  and  worth 
of  the  dear  departed  friends,  whose  characters  it  par- 
ticularly displays  ;  and  in  a  manner  which  tends  to  give 
all  the  glory  of  what  they  were,  to  the  distinguishing 
grace  of  God,  and  persuasively  to  invite  others  to  be- 
come followers  of  them,  as  they  were  of  Christ.  Your 
kind  expression?,  of  the  high  esteem,  and  filial  affection, 
■which  I  am  well  assured,  j^our  heart  felt  for  your  ven- 
erable colleague,  and  his  amiable  consort,  who  were  to 
us  the  best  and  dearest  of  parents,  have  served  to  en- 
liven and  strengthen  the  feelings  of  our  friendship  for 
you,  and  to  increase  the  satisfaction,  with  which  we 
were  before  cordially  disposed  to  acquiesce  in  your 
claim,  of  being  considered  as  a  child  of  the  family,  to- 
gether with  ourselves.  O  that  we  might  all  approve 
ourselves,  through  grace,  the  worthy  children  of  such 
worthy  christian  parents  !  And  that  you  and  myself, 
as  well  as  those  who  are  their  natural  offspring,  may 
be  known  among  the  people,  as  the  heirs  of  their  faith 
and  virtues,  so  that  all  who  see  us,  may  acknowledge, 
that  we  are  tbe  seed  which  the  Lord  hath  blessed  ! 
May  yon,  and  I  in  particular,  my  dear  friend,  be  bless- 
ed, not  only  with  a  large  and  increasing  portion  of  the 
chrislian  spirit,  which  formed  the  temper  and  conversa- 
tion of  both  those  excellent  one's  of  the  earth,  those 
precious  servants  of  the  Lord,  ^vho  walked  so  exem- 
plarily  in  all  the  commandments  and  ordinances  of  the 


LETTERS.  240 

Lord,  who  were  so  lovely  and  pleasant  in  their  lives, 
and  in  their  death,  were  scarcely  divided  :  but  also  of 
the  ministerial  gifts  and  graces,  with  which  our  dear 
father  was  so  richly  furnished,  and  so  honorably  dis- 
tinguished, as  a  faithful,  tender,  and  useful  pastor  ! 
When  such  labourers  are  removed  from  their  work,  to 
their  reward  ;  we  who  are  left  in  the  vineyard,  should 
be  awakened  to  double  our  diligence,  that  we  may,  as 
far  as  possible,  supply  the  want  of  their  services  :  and 
to  this  we  should  be  animated  by  the  thought,  that  if, 
like  them,  we  are  found  faithful  unto  death,  we  shall, 
like  them,  in  due  time,  be  relieved  from  the  burden  and 
heat  of  the  day,  which  it  is  yet  our  lot  to  sustain,  and 
be  graciously  ordered  home,  to  rest  with  them  from  our 
labours,  and  receive  the  promised  crown  of  everlasting 
life. 

What  a  mournful  scene,  what  a  gloomy  change,  did 
your  poor  city  exhibit,  in  consequence  of  that  awful 
dispensation  of  a  righteous  Providence,  with  which  it 
was  visited  !  In  what  solemn  language  did  that  visita- 
tion say,  "  Come,  behold  the  works  of  the  Lord,  what 
desolations  he  has  made  in  the  earth  !'*  With  what  a 
loud  voice  did  it  speak,  not  only  to  those  who  were 
suffering  under  it,  but  to  all  to  whom  the  tidings  of  it 
were  published  !  "  Hear  and  fear,  and  do  no  more  so 
wickedly,  lest  some  worse  thing  come  upon  you  !" 
And  how  much  is  it  to  be  lamented,  that  such  a  correc- 
tion is  likely  to  produce  no  better,  or  more  lasting  ef- 
fects, even  in  your  city,  which  was  brought  so  low  un- 
der the  chastising  hand  of  God  !  And  that  other 
cities  and  parts  of  our  country,  partakers  with  you  in 
the  same  sins,  have,  in  general,  already  wholly  forgot- 
ten, if  they  ever  manifested  any  disposition  to  consid^ 


!244  LETTERS. 

er,  that  the  judgments  which  were  inflicted  on  the  Phi- 
ladelphians,  happened  to  them  for  examples  to  other 
transgressors  I  '  Still,  however,  it  is  a  consolation, 
though  in  some  respects  a  mournful  one,  to  ihe  believ- 
er, to  know,  that  such  a  dispensation  will  accomplish 
all  the  counsel  and  pleasure  of  the  Lord,  which  it  was 
appointed  to  fulfil  ;  perhaps  by  hardening  some  sin- 
ners, and  ripening  them  for  sorer  judgments,  if  not  for 
final  destruction,  as  well  as  by  bringing  other  sinners 
to  repentance,  and  proQmting  the  spiritual  improve- 
ment of  (he  people  of  God.  In  these  latter  respects, 
much  good  may  be  done  by  it,  which  is  not  visible  to 
the  eye  of  man.  At  all  events,  it  is  certain,  that  the 
Lord  is  holy  in  all  his  ways,  and  righteous  in  all  his 
works ;  and  every  part  of  the  wise,  great  and  good  plan 
of  his  administration,  in  its  proper  time  and  manner 
will  be  completed.  Let  us  be  thankful  for  what  he  al- 
lows us  to  understand  of  his  perfections,  purposes,  and 
works  ;  and  when  these  are  concealed  from  our  \iews, 
and  surpass  our  comprehension,  let  us  reverently  and 
submissively  bow  before  him,  and  humbly  adore  the 
infinite  and  incomprehensible  God,  whose  thoughts  and 
ways  are  as  far  above  ours,  as  the  heavens  are  higher 
than  the  earth. 

In  this  city,  while  Philadelphia  was  sitting  solitary, 
and  sorely  weeping  in  the  days  of  her  afiliction,  and 
her  miseries,  some  tenderly  sympathized  with  her, 
many  were  alarmed  for  themselves,  numbers  of  all  de- 
nominations united  in  observing  a  day  of  fasting,  humili- 
ation and  prayer,  (October  23,)  and  I  know  not  but  that 
a  very  few  began  to  think  that  it  was  almost  time,  if 
they  did  not  actually  form  some  purposes,  to  repent 
and  turn  from  their  transgressions,  that  iniquity  might 


^     LETTERS.  24§, 

not  also  be  their  ruin.  But  the  direful  storm  did  not 
reach  us  ;  the  black  cloud  was  dispersed  ;  our  sky  be- 
came again  clear  and  ..erene  ;  and  then  the  little  ap- 
pearances of  goodness,  that  were  seen  among  us,  amidst 
many  shocking  symptoms  of  insensibility  andobduracyj 
that  still  prevailed,  were  like  the  morning  cloud  ;  and 
as  the  early  dew,  they  passed  away.  During  the  suc- 
ceeding season,  every  species  of  dissipation  and  licen- 
tious folly,  and  particularly  all  the  incalculable  evils 
which  issue  fro/n  that  modern  Pandora's  box,  the  thea- 
/re,  have  reigned  and  triumphed  with  all  their  former 
insolence,  if  not  with  increasing  audacity.  These  things 
have  made  the  hearts  of  tiiose  who  fear  God  among  us, 
often  tremble  with  apprehensions  for  the  consequences 
in  which  they  are  likely  to  end.  For  my  own  part,  I 
have  long  been  of  the  opinion  with  you,  that  if  reforma- 
tion  prevent  not,  judgement  is  not  far  distant.  So  ju- 
dicious on  this  subject,  and  so  applicable  to  the  present 
circumstances  of  our  situation,  were  some  of  the  re- 
flections contained  in  your  letter,  that  I  have  taken  the 
liberty,  of  inserting  a  paragraph  or  two  of  them  in  our 
city  Gazette;  a  liberty  which  I  thought  the  laws  of 
friendship,  and  your  zeal  to  do  good,  would  authorize. 
The  same  freedom  has  been  used  with  a  few  pages  of 
Dr.  H*s  pamphlet,  who  in  drawing  the  picture  of  Phila- 
delphia's sins,  the  parent  of  her  plagues,  has  present- 
ed us  with  an  equally  just  and  striking  likeness  of  the 
iniquities  of  Charleston.  All  the  hands  that  can  afford 
any  help  in  the  war  with  the  reigning  and  raging  vices 
and  follies  of  the  times,  ought,  I  think,  to  be  brought 
into  action.  And  if  your  strong  arm  can  be  stretched 
out  so  far,  as  to  give  the  enemy  a  stroke  here,  I  hope 
you  will  not  regret  the  execution  which  it  may  do,  oi* 


246  LETTERS* 

the  wound  that  it  may  inflict,  or  the  alarm  which  it  may 
spread.  But  after  all,  it  is  certainly  not  the  arm  of 
fiesb,  on  which  we  are  to  depend  for  success  ;  and 
therefore,  as  you  have  desired  us  to  pray  for  you,  so  do 
you  remember  to  pray  for  us.  Andmay  you,  and  we,  and 
all  the  professed  friends  of  God,  unite  and  pray  without 
ceasing,  till  the  arm  of  the  Lqrd  awake  and  put  on 
strength,  and  get  him  the  victory,  and  triumph  glorious- 
ly, in  the  destruction  of  the  works  of  the  devil,  and  in 
reviving,  supporting,  and  promoting  his  own  work  and 
interests,  in  the  midst  of  these  years. 

It  is  with  great  pleasure  that  I  reflect  on  your  pres- 
ervation, to  be  employed,  I  hope,  as  a  zealous  and  use- 
ful instrument,  in  carrying  on  this  great  design  ;  now 
especially,  when  your  pious  fellow  labourer,  having  fin- 
ished the  work  which  was  given  him  to  do,  has  gone  to 
rest  from  his  labours,  and  to  receive  the  reward  await- 
ing the  good  and  faithful  servant.  I  had  no  doubt  but 
that  you  were  led  by  the  hand  of  God,  from  the  scene 
of  the  awful  calamity,  to  which  so  many  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  your  city  were  victims.  Your  return  to  Phila- 
delphia, must  have  been  humbling  and  afflicting  beyond 
what  language  could  express.  How  changed  the  cir- 
cumstances, in  which  you  resumed  the  exercise  of  your 
public  ministry  in  your  congregation  !  What  a  change, 
in  particular,  in  the  family  of  our  dear  father,  your 
venerable  colleague  !  I  suppose  you  did  not  on  that  oc- 
casion forget  to  feel  for  us.  Be  assured  we  felt  very 
tenderly  for  you. 

It  is  no  small  consolation,  amidst  all  the  other  strong 
consolations,  which  the  God  of  all  grace  and  comfort, 
has  infused  into  the  bitter  cup  of  our  great  and  various 
sorrows,  to  learn,  that  your  impaired  health  has  been 


LETTERS.  Q47 

9 

SO  mercifully  restored,  and  that  amidst  all  your  increas- 
ed labours,  your  strength  has  been  so  wonderfully  in- 
creased. Is  not  this  a  most  desirable  confirmation,  by 
experience,  of  the  faithfulness  of  Him,  who  has  prom- 
ised, "  that  as  thy  days,  so  shall  thy  strength  be  ?" 
The  truth  of  this,  Mrs.  K.  and  I  would  hope,  her  poor 
husband  also,  in  some  small  measure  with  her,  has 
comfortably  experienced  under  all  the  weight  of  that 
part  of  your  trials,  which  has  fallen  so  heavily  up- 
on our  afflicted  family.  Let  us  all  unite  our  songs 
of  thanksgivings  and  praises,  to  our  compassionate  God 
and  Saviour,  who,  in  the  midst  of  deserved  wrath,  re- 
members undeserved  mercies  ;  and  as  our  afflictions 
and  sorrows  ha\e  abounded,  has  made  our  consolations 
also  to  abound,  by  Christ  Jesus.  Let  it  be  our  concern 
and  prayer,  that  the  trial  of  our  faith,  and  of  all  the 
graces  which  ought  to  be  particularly  exercised  in  such 
circumstances,  may  be  sanctified  to  the  purposes  of 
strengthening,  improving,  and  brightening  them,  so  that 
they  may  be  found  unto  praise,  and  honor,  and  glory, 
at  the  appearing  of  Jesus  Christ.  Then  may  we  hope^ 
that  our  God,  who  has  wisely  led  us  all  Ibis  way  in  the 
wilderness,  to  humble  us,  and  to  prove  us,  will,  by  this 
dispensation,  do  us  good  in  the  latter  end  ;  and  for  the 
temporal  evils  which  we  have  sufiered,  render  to  us 
double  in  spiritual  and  heavenly  blessings  in  Christ  Je- 
sus. I  sometimes  begin  to  wonder  how  you  can  per- 
form all  the  ordinary  parochial  duties  of  so  large  a  con- 
gregation as  yours,  and  yet  prepare  so  many  and  such 
discourses  as  yours  for  the  entertainment,  and,  I  hope, 
for  the  instruction  and  improvement  of  the  public, 
through  the  medium  of  the  press.  But  a  second 
thought  reminds  me  that  it  is  by  the  grace  of  God,  that 


^48  LETTERS. 

jrou  are  what  you  are,  and  thai  you  do  what  you  doc 
Remember  this,  and  be  humble  and  thankful.  Remem- 
ber also  the  account  which  you  have  to  2;ive  of  your 
Jive  talents  ;  and  be  more  and  more  dilii^ent  in  occupy- 
ing with  them.  Compared  with  you,  I  appear  to  my- 
self to  be  honored  and  entrusted  with  only  one  talent. 
This  thought,  I  hope,  I  do  not  allow  myself  to  indulge, 
with  a  view  to  excuse  my  ingratitude  and  unfaithful- 
ness, to  the  great  Lord  of  all,  from  whom  cometh  down 
every  goovl  and  every  perfect  gift ;  but  with  a  desire,  that 
it  should  make  and  keep  me  humble.  And  the  consider- 
ation of  the  very  poor  improvement  which  I  ha\e  made 
of  this,  if  it  has  not  been  wholly  buried,  ou2;ht  to  cover 
me  with  shame  and  confusion  of  face,  and  to  melt  my 
soul  into  contrition  and  sorrow  ;  and  it  does  actually 
often  awaken  my  fear  for  the  event  of  that  day,  when 
our  Lord  shall  come  to  reckon  with  his  servants.  May 
the  Lord  grant,  that  we  may  both  find  mercy  of  the 
Lord  in  that  day  ! 

When  will  your  other  sermons,  which  you  mention^ 
appear  in  print  ?  Allow  me  to  be  a  debtor  to  you  for 
both  of  them,  without  allowing  yourself  to  cherish  any 
hope,  that  such  favours  will  be  repaid  in  kind.  But 
for  your  encouragement  and  comfort  remember,  that  it 
is  more  blessed  to  give,  than  to  receive. 

Mrs.  K.  returns  her  \ery  thankful  acknowledge" 
ments  to  you  for  that  part  of  your  excellent  letter, 
which  relates  particularly  to  her.  In  the  exercise  of 
that  faith,  which  is  not  only  the  great  principle  of  spirit- 
ual action,  but  also  as  you  justly  represent  it,  of  spirit- 
ual consolation  in  the  christian,  she  was,  I  think,  won- 
derfully strengthened,  in  the  late  season  of  great  af^ 
fliction,   in  which  it  has  been   extraordinarily  tried. 


LETTERS.  249 

Through  grace,  I  hope,  she  has  glorified  God  in  the 
day  of  visitation,  and  done  some  service  to  the  cause 
of  religion,  by  manifesting  its  power,  in  supporting  and 
comforting  the  soul,  under  the  pressure  of  some  of  the 
greatest  troubles  with  which  this  evil  world  abounds. 
She  is,  however,  always  complaining  of  herself ;  and 
I  have  always  reason  to  consider  her  conduct  as  a  re- 
proach to  me  ;  and  this  will  not  surprise  you,  if  you 
yet  feel  any  thing  of  the  power  of  the  law  of  sin  ;  or 
if  you  have  ever  been  much  in  the  company  of  christ- 
ians better  than  yourself. 

We  were  not  a  little  shocked  to  hear  from  your  pub- 
lic papers,  that  your  new  play-house  was  to  be  opened 
about  the  beginning  of  February,  amidst  all  the  appre- 
hensions entertained,  of  a  return  of  the  awful  calamity 
with  which  your  city  has  been  already  so  sorely 
scourged.  The  renewal  of  that  scourging,  I  am  inclin- 
ed to  think,  will  depend  more  upon  your  moral  behav- 
iour, than  upon  any  natural  causes.  And  in  this  view, 
so  heaven  daring,  and  provoking  a  return  to  folly,  bodes 
ill.  If  the  voice  of  ihe  rod  which  you  have  fell,  be  not 
heard  ;  may  you  not  expect  that  some  heavier  and 
more  smarting  strokes  of  it  will  be  inflicted  upon  you  ? 
Or  if  such  chastisement  shall  be  withheld,  w  ill  it  not  be, 
because  the  Lord  has  said  ;  Why  should  ye  be  smiiiea 
any  more  ?  Ye  will  revolt  still  more  and  more  ?  Rath- 
er let  your  city  and  ours,  and  you  and  myself,  as  indi- 
viduals, be  chastised  in  any  way  in  mercy,  than  thus 
given  up  in  judgement. 

Concerning  our  coming  to  Philadelphia  :  we  dare 
Kot  yet  venture  to  form  any  conclusion  :  but  desire  to 
discern,  and  submit  to  the  Lord's  will,  to  follow  hii 

OO 


25©  LETTERS. 

guidance,  and  wait  his  time.     Help  us  in  this  matter,  a» 
well  as  in  all  our  other  affairs,  by  your  prayers. 

In  affectionate  regards  and  prayers  for  Mrs.  G.  as 
well  as  yourself,  Mrs.  K.  unites  with  your  unworthy 
friend  and  brother, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 

P.S.  We  have  been  informed  that  the  Rev,  J.  Smith, 
has  been  instrumental  in  adding  60  or  70  persons,  to 
the  number  of  the  communicants  in  his  congregation, 
since  the  dreadful  fever  took  place  in  your  city.  If 
this  be  true,  and  if  these  persons  be  hopeful  converts, 
this  circumstance  affords  strong  encouragement  to  hope, 
that  the  awful  calamity  with  which  you  were  visited, 
has  not  been  a  lost  dispensation,  and  that  it  may  yet 
be  followed  with  a  more  extensive  blessing.  Such  ap- 
pearances demand  fervent  praises  ;  and  furnish  ground 
for  pleasing  expectations. 


TO    WR.    AND    MRS.    L. 

CHARLESTON,    DECEMBER    6,    1796. 

MY    DEAR    FRIENDS, 

Vl  iTH  cordial  affection,  and  a  very 
tender  sympathy,  I  take  ray  part  with  you  in  your  af- 
fliction, under  the  late  bereaving  stroke  of  the  holy 
hand  of  God,  by  which  he  has  taken  from  you,  your 
dear  child  ;  a  sweet  lovely  babe,  whose  pleasing,  charm- 
ing countenance,  forcibly  impressed  my  mind,  as  I  find 
it  did  the  minds  of  some  other  observers,  when  he  was 
solemnly  presented  to  the  Lord,  and  received  into  the 


LETTERS.  25k 

church  at  his  baptism.  On  that  occasion,  and  in  the 
Terj  serious  and  interesting  transaction  with  the 
great  and  blessed  God,  our  Creator,  Redeemer,  and 
Sanctifier,  to  whi<:h  you  were  then  called  ;  I  trust  you 
were,  through  his  grace  wilh  jou,  enabled  in  sincerity, 
and  without  reserve,  to  give  him  up,  and  dedicate  him 
to  the  Lord,  who  had  first  given  him  to  you  ;  desirous, 
and  hoping,  and  believing,  and  rejoicing  in  the  pleasing 
and  comfortable  persuasion,  that  your  ofTering  would 
be  graciously  accepted  ;  and  that  he  should  be  the 
Lord's  in  the  bonds  of  the  well  ordered,  sure,  and  ever- 
lasting covenant,  of  which  our  dear  Saviour  is  the  bless- 
ed Mediator ;  and  which  in  all  its  glorious  provisions, 
and  great  and  precious  promises,  is  fitted  to  be  all  our  sal- 
vation, and  all  our  desire.  Was  it  not  then  the  ultimate 
and  highest  aim  of  youraffectioHate  desires  and  prayers 
in  favour  of  your  dear  and  beloved  infant,  that  he  might 
be  finally  and  for  ever  with  the  Lord,  in  his  heavenly 
kingdom  ?  Well  ;  you  now  have  your  wish.  And  how 
soon  has  it  been  accomplished,  and  gratified  to  the 
fullest  extent  T  The  lovely  babe,  that  was  lately  the 
desire  of  your  eyes,  and  that  shared,  I  suppose,  a  sufH- 
cient  portion  of  the  tenderest  affections  of  your  hearts, 
has  been,  1  doubt  not,  washed  from  the  guilt  and  pollu- 
tion of  his  nature,  derived  from  fallen  Adam,  by  th^ 
blood  of  Christ  our  Saviour,  and  sanctified  by  the  Spirit 
of  grace,  and  is  now  safely  and  happily  lodged  in  the  arms 
and  bosom  of  its  Heavenly  Father,  and  Divine  Re- 
deemer, with  alt  those  blessed  little  children,  of  which 
the  kingdom  of  Heaven  eminently  consists  ;  and  where 
it  is  infinitely  better  provided  for,  than  it  could  be  with 
you,  in  this  present  evil  world.  From  thence,  as  you 
know  he  cannot,  so,   I  believe,  you  would  not  dare  to 


252  LETTERS. 

wish,   that  he  should  return   to  you,  to  partake  with 
Tou  in  the  various  evils  of  this  state  of  sin   and  sorrow, 
from  which   he    has  been  bO  earlj  and  so  kindly  taken 
away.     And  do  you  hope,  that  you  will  in  due  time  go 
to  him,  to  d'vvell   there   with  him,  and  wiih  all  who  are 
redeemed  to  God  by   the    blood  of  the  Lamb,  and  are 
there  made  perfect  in  holiness,  and  raised  to  fulness  of 
joy    in  the  presence  of  the    Lord  T  In  ihe  mean  time, 
have  you  the  consolation  of  believing  and  being  assured, 
that  the  Lord  doth    all    things  well  ;  that  all  his  paths 
towards  you,  are  mercy  and  truth  ;  and  that  all  things, 
through   his  sanctifying  blessing,   shall   work  together 
for  your  good  ?  Surely  then  you  must  feel  your  obliga- 
tions, and  I  trust  you  will,  through  grace,  be  according- 
ly disposed,   to    weep   for  your  temporary  loss  of  the 
satisfactions  and  pleasures,   which  you  were  beginning 
to  enjoy  in  your  dear  babe,   as   though  you  wept  not  : 
to  rejoice  in  all  the  remaining  comforts  of  life,  as  though 
you   rejoiced  not  ;  holding  them  also  resigned   to  the 
Lord's  disposal,  and  ready  to  be  given  up  to  him  at  his 
call  ;  to  glorify  him  by  a    cheerful   submission  fo  his 
will  in  all  things,  and  cordial  approbation  of  all  his  deal- 
ings with  you,  and  dispensations  towards  you,  and  earn- 
est prayers  and  endeavours  that  you  may  comply  with 
the  wise  and  gracious  designs  of  them   all  ;  and  to  as- 
pire more  ardently,  and  to  press  forward  more  diligent- 
ly and  vigorously,  in  the  way  of  faith  in  the  Redeemer, 
and   obedience   to    his    gospel,  tov/ards   that   blessed 
world,  where  there  shall  be  no  more  sin  nor  death  ;  nor 
any  more  tears,  nor  occasions  of  them  ;  but  where  ho- 
liness shall  be  complete  ;  and  joy  shall  be  full  and  ever- 
growing, and   all  the  work  shall    be  love    and  praise, 
through  all  the   ages  of  a  blessed  and  glorious  imraor- 


LBTTERS.  258 

talify.  With  such  views  of  the  wise  counsels  of  God 
our  Saviour,  respecting  ourselves,  and  all  that  we  hold 
dear  lo  us,  and  of  the  salutary  tendency  and  desirable 
effects  of  all  his  dispensations,  even  the  most  afflictive 
that  we  have  ever  felt,  or  may  yet  be  called  to  suffer  ; 
the  aspect  of  affliction  appears  to  be  greatly  changed. 
Notwithstanding  all  the  severity  with  which,  in  some 
cases,  it  seems  to  frown  upon  us,  it  must  be,  at  the  same 
time,  presented  to  our  minds,  as  a  genuine  fruit  of  our 
Heavenly  Father's  love,  and  as  a  necessary  and  sea- 
sonable proof  of  his  covenant  mercy  and  faithfulness  ; 
ordermg  a  painful  trial  of  a  few  moment's  continuance, 
for  the  desirable  purposes  of  yielding  to  us  the  present 
peaceable  fruits  of  righteousness,  and  of  working  for  us  a 
far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory.  Under 
the  impressions  which  such  views,  accompanied  by  the 
influences  of  the  good  Spirit  of  God,  are  adapted  to 
make  Jipon  our  hearts,  we  shall  feel  oursehes  led  to 
say,  with  some  small  measure  at  least,  of  the  mind  that 
was  in  our  blessed  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  in  respect  to 
the  greatest  trial  and  conflict  that  may  be  appointed  to 
us  ;  "  O  my  Father,  if  this  cup  may  not  pass  from  me, 
except  I  drink  it  ;  thy  will  be  done  !"  When  his  grace 
has  brought  us  to  this  temper  and  mind,  it  will  not  only 
"make  submission  very  sweet,  in  what  is  most  contrary 
to  nature"  (as  my  dear  Mrs.  Keith,  often  and  often 
said  she  had  felt  it,  and  as,  I  trust,  I  also  have  found  in 
my  own  experience,)  but  it  will  dispose  us  to  bless  the 
chastising  hand  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  in  the  most 
painful  dispensations  of  his  providence,  and  to  say, 
with  our  excellent  friend  Newton, 

*'  'Tis  my  Jiappiness  below, 

J\''ot  to  live  ivithout  the  crt^s  ;.  ,» 


254  LETTERS, 

But  the  Savioui's  power  to  kno-»v\, 
Sinictifiiing  every  loss. 

Trials  must  and  will  befal  ; 

But,  with  humble  faith  to  see 
J^ove  inscribed  upon  them  all  ; 
This  is  happiness  to  me. 

Trials  make  the  promise  stueet  : 
Trials  ^ive  new  life  to  prayer  ; 
Trials  bring  me  to  his  feet  ; 
Lay  me  lowy  and  keep  me  there." 

ALSO    COWPER. 

**  Ye  fenrful  saints,  fresh  courage  take  ; 
The  clouds  je  so  much  dread, 
Are  big-  ivith  mercies,  and  shall  break 
In  blessi7igs  on  your  head." 

AND    NEWTON    AGAIN. 

"  Since  all  thiit  T  meet>  shall  work  for  my  good  ; 
The  bitter  is  sxveet,  the  med'cine  is  food  ; 
Tho'  painful  at  present,  't  w  ill  cease  before  long  : 
And  then,  O  how  pleasant,  The  conqueror's  song  !" 

Through  grace,  I  think  I  have  been  enabled,  under 
my  great  trial,  to  enter  a  little  more  deeply  and  fully 
into  the  spirit  of  the  above  lines,  and  of  such  sentiments 
and  views  as  they  express.  And  under  the  influence 
of  them,  and  in  some  measure,  of  the  experience  of  their 
power  and  efficacy,  I  think,  I  found  and  felt,  that  it 
was  good,  that  it  was  desirable  for  me  to  be  aflSicted, 
as  I  was,  in  the  tenderest  feelings  of  ray  nature,  and  the 
dearest  interests  and  comforts  of  this  mortal  life  ;  and  I 
believe  I  owe  it  as  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  the  God  of  all 
grace,  for  his  ?aiost  unmerited,  free,  rich,  sovereign 
grace  experienced,  to  acknowledge  to  his  praise,  that  as 
my  afflictions  abounded,  so  his  consolations  also  were 
made  to  abound  to  me,  by  Christ  Jesus,  my  Interces- 
sor and  Redeemer  ;  so  that  the  season  which  was  in 
■aany  respects  the  most  trying  that  I  have  ever  suffer- 


LETTERS.  25j 

ed,  was  at  <he  same  (iaie  made, in  other  respects,  the 
most  comfortable  that  I  have  ever  known  and  enjoyed. 
I  would  hope  that  it  has  not  thus  far  passed,  with- 
out some  important  and  desirable  benefits  and  advan- 
tages attending  it.  But,  alas  !  how  transient  will  be 
the  best  impressions  produced  bj  it,  without  the  con- 
tinued influence  of  the  Divine  Comforter  and  Sanctifier  I 
How  soon  have  some  of  my  best  purposes,  formed  in 
this  interesting,  memorable  season  of  conflict  and  com- 
fort, been  forgotten,  or  miserably  failed  in  the  execu- 
tion !  Oh,  how  soon  has  my  evil  heart  of  unbelief,  wan- 
dered and  departed  from  its  rest,  and  establishment  in 
the  Lord  my  God  and  Saviour!  With  what  various 
temptations  has  my  soul  been  assaulted  and  shaken  ! 
What  hours  and  days  of  darkness,  stupidity,  distrac- 
tion, and  dejection,  all  as  the  bitter  fruits  of  my  sins 
and  follies,  have  I  known  within  a  few  weeks  past  ! 
Yet,  when  I  deserved,  for  all  my  sins  and  folly  in  for- 
saking my  own  mercies,  and  following  after  lying  vani- 
ties, to  be  cast  off*  forever  :  I  am  still  encouraged  to 
hope,  that  the  Lord  has  not  utterly  forsaken  me,  but  har. 
again  and  again  restored  to  me  his  free  spirit  of  grace, 
to  draw  me  again  to  himself,  at  a  throne  of  grace  in 
prayer  and  supplication  ;  to  excite  and  enable  me  to 
renew  wy  repentance,  and  application  by  faith,  to  th( 
atoning  and  healing  blood  of  Jesus  my  Redeemer ;  tc 
repeat  and  ratify  again  my  violated  vows  and  engage^ 
ments  of  a  better  obedience  and  submission  to  the  holy 
will  of  God  ;  and  to  raise  me  again  to  some  renewed  ex- 
periences of  the  consolations  of  his  pardoning  mercy 
and  of  the  joys  of  his  salvation.  Oh  what  a  God  and 
Saviour  have  we  to  deal  with,  to  go,  and  return  Xo^  ic 
trust  and  to  hope  in  I  Be  humble,  be  thankful,  O  my 


^56 


LETTERS. 


soul  :  love  and  fear  Lim  with  all  thy  power:  rest  in 
him  alone  as  thy  refuge  and  portion,  and  in  promoting 
hU  glory,  and  shewing  forth  his  praise,  let  all  thy  ac- 
tivity -rtiul  zeal,  be  henceforth  employed  !  And  may 
thy  grace,  my  Lord  and  Saviour,  be  made  sufiirient 
for  me,  and  thy  strength  perfect  in  my  weakness,  for 
these  desirable  purposes'!  Pray  for  me,  my  dear  friends, 
for  I  feel  my  need  of  the  helping  prayers  of  all  who 
love  me,  and  feel  any  interest  in  ni}^  concerns.  When 
I  am  enabled  to  pray  at  all,  if  ever  I  do  pray,  I  en- 
deavour, from  time  to  time,  to  offer  up  some  petitions 
for  you  :  for  you  my  dear  Mrs.  L.  that  the  Lord  may, 
in  his  own  way  be  pleased  (and  I  would  hope,  that 
your  late  afflictions  is  one  of  the  means  which  he  has 
appointed,  and  may  bo  pleased  to  sanctify  in  order)  to 
bring  you  home  to  himself,  and  to  the  happy  experi- 
ence of  that  rest,  which  your  soul  can  find  only  in  your 
Redeemer  ;  and  of  that  salvation  which  is  in  him,  with 
eternal  glory  ;  and  that  you  my  dear  Mrs.  L.  may  be 
more  and  more  established  and  built  up  in  your  faith  in 
the  Saviour,  on  whom  you  have  believed,  may  more 
and  more  grow  in  the  knowledge  of  him,  and  in  grace 
and  usefulness  ;  and  in  meetness  for  the  inheritance  of 
the  saints  in  light  !  While  I  very  sensibly  feel,  and  of- 
ten lament,  the  want  of  the  improving  and  comforting 
society  of  your  dear  father  and  mother,  and  those 
branches  of  their  faniily,  including  yourself,  that  are 
now  in  the  country,  I  rejoice  in  the  prospect  and  hope 
of  your  being  favoured  now,  for  a  short  time  at  least, 
with  the  desirable  advantages  of  the  public  means  of 
grace  among  yon  there,  under  the  ministry  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Waddell.  May  the  Lord  abundantly  bless  his 
labours  among  you,  during  his  stay  ;  and  determine  his 


LETTERS.  25f 

final  setilement  there,  if*  that  would  be  most  for  his  glo- 
ry, and  the  good  of  his  church!  My  health  is  rather 
better  than  some  weeks  ago,  (hough  still  very  lender 
and  delicate.  But  it  is  a  wonder  of  mercy,  thai  it  is 
restored  to  that  raeastie  in  which  I  now  enjoy  it.  May 
you  and  yours  enjoy  that  degree  of  health,  and  every 
other  comfort  of  this  life,  that  may  be  best  for  you,  and 
be  abundantly  blessed  with  all  spiritual,  heavenly,  and 
everlasting  blessings,  in    Christ   Jesus  I 

I  am  very  sincerely,  and  affectionately,  your  friend, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITHa 
TO    REV.    DR.    G. 

6HARLEST»N,    DECEMBER  10,  1796, 

5IY    DEAR    SIR, 

The  arrival  of  Capt.  G,  on  the  30th  ult. 
brought  me  three  letters  from  you,  under  dates  of 
September  21,  October  24,  and  November  16  ;  for  all 
of  which  I  cordially  thank  you,  and  particularly  for  the 
second,  which  is  the  longest  ;  partly  on  that  account, 
and  partly  as  it  is  wholly  occupied  with  a  subject  pe- 
culiarly, and  very  deeply  interesting  to  me,  in  my  pres- 
ent state  of  great  and  painful  trial,  and  contains  a  varie- 
ty of  important  observations,  admirably  suited  to  wy 
feelings,  my  wants,  and  my  experiences,  in  this  trying 
situation,  it  is  regarded  and  felt  by  me,  as  the  best  of 
the  three,  which  are  all  indeed  very  good.  The  spirit 
of  God,  I  trust,  has  directed  your  thoughts  and  your 
pen,  so  that  you  have  been  led  to  write  a  word,  and 
many  words  indeed,  in  season,  and  with  the  skill  of  a 
33 


258  LETTERS. 

distinguisliing  judgement,  and  the  tenderness  of  clirist-* 
ian  sjmpatbj  and  love,  to  aweary,  wounded,  and  great- 
ly afflicted  and  tempest-tossed  soul.  The  greater  part 
of  the  thoughts  which  you  have  suggested  in  the  body 
of  your  letter,  particularly  alluded  to,  had  indeed  pre- 
viously occurred  to  my  own  mind,  and  were  impressed 
upon  it,  as  I  trust,  by  the  divine  Sanctifier  and  Com- 
forter, with  that  divine  light  and  energy,  which  for 
several  weeks,  made  the  season,  which  was  in  many 
respects,  the  most  painfully  trying  that  I  have  ever 
known,  a  time  of  the  greatest  refreshing,  from  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Lord  ;  of  the  strongest  consolation,  the 
sweetest  peace,  and  the  liveliest  hope,  that  I  have  ever 
experienced.  Yet  the  new  and  excellent  arrangement, 
and  the  forcible  manner  in  which  your  fertile,  judicious, 
and  nervous  pen,  has  again  recalled  them  to  my  remem- 
brance, and  presented  them  to  my  view,  has  served 
to  make  me  feel  them  with  a  new  impression,  and  I 
would  hope,  not  without  some  additional  advantage  and 
improvement.  And  shall  I  now  acknowledge  to  you, 
that  after  following  you  step  by  step,  and  reading  at- 
tentively, and  with  much  satisfaction,  what  you  had  so 
kindly,  and  so  well  written,  I  was  the  most  forcibly  struck 
with  some  observations  towards  the  conclusion  of  the 
letter,  which  are  adapted  to  excite  the  most  painful  sen- 
sations, but  which  I  have,  to  my  great  mortification, 
and  with  inexpressible  regret,  found  wonderfully  co-in- 
cident with  my  late  bitter  experience  ?  Yes,  my  friend, 
I  have  thought,  "  that  under  the  first  pressure  of  my 
affliction,  God  was  pleased  to  give  me  such  views  of  his 
sovereign  right  to  dispose  of  my  dear  partner,"  and  of 
every  thing  that  my  heart  was  disposed  to  hold  most 
dear  and  valuable,  and  important  to  me  in  my  connex- 


LETTERS.  259 

ion  with  her  ;  and  of  his    doing  all   things  well,  <<  and 
such  freedoQi  of  soul,  sweetly  to   acquiesce  in  his  will, 
as  were  effectual  to  mingle  the  tears  of  joy,  with  those 
of  mourning."     But  as  you,  by  something  like  a  spirit 
of  prophesy,  have   suggested,  I  have  found,   "  that  I 
had  no  security  for  the   continuance  of  so  desirable  a 
frame  of  mind."     I  have  since  indeed  felt,  "  that  it  may 
not  only  be  very  difficult,"    but  that  I  have   actually 
been,  altogether  unable,  "  to   preserve  a  right  temper, 
in  other  circumstances  of  an  afflictive  nature,  which  to 
others,"  and   to   myself  in   prospect,  might  have    ap- 
peared to  be  much   less  trying.     Since  some  of  the 
first  weeks  of  this   memorable  season  of  trial  and  com- 
fort, oh  !  how  weak  has  my   faith   been  found  !  How 
have  I  been  shaken  by  various  temptations,  on  the  foun- 
dation  where  I  thought  I   stood   most  securely  ;  the 
atonement,  righteousness,    and  intercession  of  the  Re- 
deemer, and  the  glorious   provisions,  and  the  great  and 
precious  promises  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  of  which 
he  is  the  blessed  Mediator  ;  while  my  interest  in  these, 
have  been   hid   from  my  view  !     How  soon   have  my 
best  impressions  been  lost,  or  greatly  abated,  and  ray 
best  purposes  been  forgotten,  or  miserably  failed  in  the 
execution!  How  soon  has  my  light  been  exchanged  for 
darkness  ;  and  my  peace  for  trouble  !  And  how  many 
hours  and  days  of  stupidity,  distraction,  and  dejection, 
have  I  lately  known  !  Lord  what  is  man  !   Oh,  how  de- 
ceitful above   all  things,  and  desperately  wicked  is  the 
humau  heart  !  And  how  artful  and  powerful  is  that  ad- 
versary, who  goeth  about  continually  seeking  whom  he 
may  destroy,  or  harass,  and  injure,  to  the  extent  of  his 
abilities  I  And  oh  !  what   a  God  and  Saviour,  have  we 
to  go,  and  return  to,  to  trust,  and  to  hope  in  ;  who,  as  a 


260  LETTERS, 

father  pitieth  bis  children,  pitieth  them  thai  fear  him  ; 
who  has  compassion  for  their  infirmities,  forgives  the 
multitude  of  their  transgressions,  according  to  the  mul- 
titude of  his  tender  mercies  ;  heals  their  backslidings  j 
subdues  the  power  of  their  unbelief  and  their  iniquities; 
bruises  down  satan  in  due  time  under  their  feet  ;  and 
instead  of  casting  them  awaj  for  ever,  as  he  justly 
might,  for  their  sin  and  folly  in  wandering  from  him,  and 
forsaking  their  own  mercies,  in  the  foolish  pursuit  of 
lying  vanities,  graciously  restores  to  them  again  and 
again,  his  free  spirit  of  grace,  to  draw  them  again  to 
himself,  in  the  exercises  of  repentance  and  faith, 
prayer  and  hope,  and  the  renewal  of  their  forgotten, 
violated  vows  of  a  belter  obedience  and  submission  to 
his  holy  will,  for  the  time  to  come  ;  when  thus  humbled 
again  before  hi(n,  raises  them  again  to  some  renewed 
experiences  of  his  pardoning  mercy,  and  of  the  joys  of 
his  salvation  !  Thus,  I  sometimes  dare  to  think  and 
hope,  the  Lord  hath  dealt  with  me,  who  am  less  than 
the  least  of  all  his  mercies,  and  the  very  chief  of  sin- 
ners. Oh  !  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within  me,  bless 
the  Lord  for  all  his  wise  counsels,  and  gracious  deal- 
ings :  fear  and  love  him,  who  corrects  thee  to  humble 
and  prove  thee,  and  to  do  thee  good  in  the  latter  end  ; 
who  by  the  various  changes  through  which  he  leads 
thee,  takes  the  wisest  and  best  methods,  to  discover 
thy  weakness  and  insufficiency  ;  thy  sins  and  follies,  and 
to  manifest  the  glory  of  his  own  abounding  all-sufficient 
grace,  and  astonishing  and  everlasting  love.  Rest  in 
hi  n  alone,  as  thy  refuge  and  portion,  and  thy  All  in  all  : 
and  in  promoting  his  glory,  and  shewing  forth  his  praise, 
and  in  following  thy  dearest  of  all  mortal  friends,  and 
all  other  christian  friends,  now  inheriting  the  promises 


lifiTTERS.  261 

in  bis  heavenly  kingdom,  and  the  enjoyment  of  that 
everlasting  rest,  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God, 
let  all  thy  activity  and  zeal,  be  henceforth  employed  ! 
And  may  the  grace  of  my  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  be  made  suflScient  for  me,  and  his  strength  per- 
fect in  ray  weakness,  for  these  important  and  desirable 
purposes.  To  these  purposes,  help  me,  my  friend, 
with  yojir  prayers.  In  return  for  this  most  important 
office  of  love,  that  absent  friends  can  render  to  each 
other,  1  shall  endeavour,  when  I  can  pray  for  myself, 
to  offer  np  for  you  also,  from  time  to  time,  some  peti- 
tions, that  the  God  of  all  grace  may  supply  all  your 
wants,  according  to  his  riches  in  glory,  by  Christ  Je- 
sus, so  a^  to  furnish  you  thoroughly,  for  all  your  work 
and  warfare,  and  particularly  for  the  purpose  of  sanc- 
tifying to  your  good,  and  to  the  benefit  of  the  church, 
that  bodily  affiiction  with  which  you  are  exercised, 
which  at  the  first  view,  seems  to  wear  a  frowning  as- 
pect towards  yourself  and  your  people  ;  but  which 
may  be  appointed,  ordered,  and  conducted,  in  manifold 
wisdom,  fiiithful  love,  and  tender  mercy  to  both.  You 
have  not,  I  presume,  forgotten  what  you  have  written 
tome;  that  is,  "  when  the  chastisements  of  Heaven,  are 
sanctified,  they  are  not  judgements,  but  mercies."  Of 
the  truth  of  this  I  am  well  assured  :  in  the  experience  of 
it,  I  have  thought  that  I  have  been  enabled,  sincerely  to 
rejoice  ;  may  I,  and  may  you  feel,  more  and  more  of 
its  power  and  happy  influence  upon  our  temper  and 
conduct,  under  our  respective  trials  ! 

Under  my  great  and  sore  troubles,  which  the  Lord 
has  shewed  me,  it  has  been  no  small  consolation  to  me, 
and  indeed,  one  of  the  greatest  that  I  have  enjoyed,  to 
perceive  the  continuance  of  hopeful  appearances,  that  the 


262  LETTERS. 

Lord  has  been,  and  is  still,  carrying  on  a  work  of  grace 
among  us  in  this  part  of  his  church.  To  the  advance- 
ment of  this,  the  judgements  which  he  has  executed 
among  us  by  fire  and  mortal  sickness,  during  the  past 
seasons,  have,  I  trust,  been  made  happily  subservient, 
through  the  attending  influences  of  his  sanctifying 
spirit.  If  the  particular  afflictions,  or  the  consolations 
under  them,  which  1  have  experienced,  may  have  been, 
as  I  am  led  to  hope  they  have  been,  in  some  measure 
conducive,  through  the  same  sanctifying  blessing,  to 
the  benefit,  and  the  furtherance  of  the  salvation  of  any 
of  my  beloved  and  affectionate  people,  who  have  most 
kindly  taken  their  part  in  my  affliclions,  and  all  my 
concerns;  blessed  be  the  name  of  God  ;  and  for  such 
a  desirable  purpose,  I  think  it  an  honor,  privilege,  and 
happiness,  to  be  called  to  suffer  the  greatest  trials  with 
which  it  pleases  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  to  ex- 
ercise his  people  and  his  ministers,  in  this  probationary 
state. 

My  health  is  in  some  degree  graciously  restored  to 
me,  from  a  state  of  extreme  and  alarming  weakness,  to 
which  1  was  reduced  by  sickness,  in  August  and  Sep- 
tember. That  measure  of  it  which  I  now  enjoy,  is 
however  but  small,  and  attended  with  some  threatening 
symptoms.  I  have  been,  and  am,  sufficiently  admonished, 
to  remind  me  that  the  time  is  short,  and  that  I  must  ere 
long,  and  may  very  soon,  put  off  this  tabernacle,  and 
pass  from  all  earthly  scenes,  to  my  everlasting  abode  in 
the  world  of  spirits.  Oh  !  may  I  be  effectually  awak- 
ened, and  engaged,  through  the  grace  of  God  with  me, 
to  do  the  work  of  ray  day,  before  that  night  comes,  in 
which  no  man  can  work,  and  so  to  acquit  myself  in  the 
iiuties,  and  under  the  trials,  of  my  christian  profession^ 


LETTERS.  263 

and  ministerial  office,  that  when  I  finish  ray  course  here, 
I  may  enter  into  the  future,  full;  and  everlasting  joy  of 
my  Lord;  in  his  kingdom  of  glory,  where,  with  the  late 
dear  partner  of  all  my  cares  and  joys  in  this  mortal  life, 
and  with  all  the  spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect,  I  may 
glorify  the  adorable  Author  of  my  being,  redemption, 
and  happiness,  infinitely  better  than  1  ever  have  done, 
or  ever  can  do,  in  this  evil  world  ! 
Your  unworthy  brother,  and  friend, 

ISAAC  S.  KEITH, 


TO  DR.  F. 

CHARLESTON,    OCTOBER    15,    1800. 

DEAR  SIR, 

▼  ery  pressing  engagements,  prevented  my 
answering  your  kind  letter  of  the  20th  ult.  at  the  time 
of  my  receiving  it. 

The  sentiments  which  you  have  suggested  in  your 
letter  concerning  the  Missionary  business  in  our  coun- 
try, accord  wonderfully  with  my  own  on  this  subject  j 
and  of  course  have  given  me  much  pleasure.  For 
some  considerable  time  past,  I  have  been  revolving 
many  of  the  very  thoughts,  which  you  have  so  well, 
and  so  feelingly  expressed,  in  my  own  mind ;  and  on 
several  occasions,  I  have  given  some  pretty  plain,  and 
broad  hints  in  my  public  discourses  from  the  pulpit^ 
relative  to  what  is  doing  by  others  in  Europe  and  the 
United  States,  and  to  what  appears  to  me  to  be  our 
duty  in  Carolina,  in  this  most  worthy  undertaking,  and 
most  important  of  all  causes.     But  as  my  attention  and 


264  LETTERS. 

time  are  fully  occupied,  with  the  stated  duties  of  my 
office  and  situation,  durins^  the  absence  of  my  colleagiue, 
I  have  not  found  leisure  for  di^estins;  a  plan,  which 
might  be  best  suited  to  our  circumstances  here,  and 
which  it  mitrht  be  most  expedient  for  us  to  adopt,  in 
pursuit  of  this  great  and  benevolent  design.  Some- 
thing, I  think,  ought  to  be  done;  and  something,  I 
trust,  will  ere  long  be  done,  in  the  way  of  making  an 
attempt,  at  least,  at  this  good  work,  by  the  friends  of 
Zion  in  our  church  ;  and  I  would  hope,  by  others  of 
different  denominations.  One  of  our  worthy  deacons, 
Mr.  Charles  Snowden,  in  the  course  of  conversation 
this  week,  introduced  this  subject  with  a  warm  interest 
in  it,  before  I  had  spoken  a  word  to  him  on  the  subject. 
We  ought,  I  think,  to  have  made  earlier  advances  in 
this  business,  and  now  we  ought  to  redeem  the  time, 
and  double  our  diligence,  for  helping  it  forward,  in  one 
way  or  anolher.  Yet  there  is  room  for  our  co-opera- 
tion, and  for  the  desirable  fruits  of  our  labours  of  love, 
and  of  our  liberality,  to  be  diffused  far  and  wide  through 
the  land  ;  especially  among  our  frontier  inhabitants,  if 
not  among  the  savage  tribes.  "  Mercy  shall  be  built  up 
for  ever."  The  glorious  things  spoken  of  Zion,  shall 
be  fulfilled  in  their  appointed  time.  The  fulness  of 
Jews  and  Gentiles  shall  be  brought  into  the  church  of 
Christ.  The  world  seems  to  be  now  groaning  and  Ira- 
Tailing  in  pain,  with  great  events,  favourable  in  their  ul- 
timate tendency,  to  the  extension,  peace  and  prosperi- 
ty of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  Let  us  pray,  and  hope, 
let  us  bestow,  and  labour,  for  its  advancement,  in 
the  spirit  of  those  devout,  catholic,  elegant  and  nervous 
lines  of  Walts  ; 


LETTERS.  265 

^i^From  all  that  dwell  below  the  slsies. 
Let  the  Creator's  praise  arise, 
Let  the  Redeemer's  name  be  sung, 
Through  every  land,  by  every  tongue." 

A  few  days  a^o,  Mr.  Josiah  Smith,  read  me  a  part  of 
a  letter  which  he  had  lately  received  from  Mr.  Snowden 
of  Philadelphia,  informing  that  P/Ir.  Boudinot,    directbr 
of  the  mint,  had  lately  presented  to  the  corporation  of 
the  general  Assembly   of  the  Presbyterian  church,   for 
the  purposes  of  promoting  the    interests    of  the  gospel 
among  our  frontier  inhabitants,  the  negroes,  and  the  In- 
dian tribes,  ten  thousand  acres  ofland^  worth  one  dollar 
and  an  half  per  acre,  equal  to  15,000  Dolls,  w'lihfoiir 
hundred  Dollars,  ofH  per  cent  stock,  designed  for  pay- 
ment of  taxes,    hereafter  arising.     And  further,    that  a 
gentleman,  a  minister,  who  had  been  authorized  to  make 
collections  for  the  missionary    purposes,  had    received 
three  thousand  dollars.  These  are  surely  noble  benefac- 
tions, and  encouraging   beginnings.     May  all  that   love 
Ziun,  and  seek  her    good,  prosper   more  and  more,  for 
time  and  eternity  !   And  with  them,    may  your  lot    and 
mine  be  found  !     Your's  affectionately, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH, 


TO 

OCTOBER   27,    ISOIf. 

DEAR    SIR, 

Accept  now  my  sincerely  grateful  acknowl- 
edgements,   for    both    your  friendly    communications; 
which  on  several  accotmts,  have  afforded  me  much  sat- 
isfaction ;  and  especially  as  the  first  more  largely,  and 
34 


266  LETTERS. 

the  latter  more  concisely,   furnish  pleasing  indications, 
of  your  being  under  the  influence  of  the  christian  tem- 
per, and    an   hopeful  learner  in  the  school  of  Christ. 
The  complaints  against  yourself,  which  you  so  feeling- 
ly express,  are  no  bad  evidences  of  your  having  obtain- 
ed, through  a  Divine  teaching,  some  just  knowledge  of 
yourself;  and  their  effects  will   be  highly  salutary  and 
beneficial,  if  they  are  improved,  as  I  trust  they  will  be 
by  you,  according  to  their  proper  tendency,  to  the  pur- 
poses of  rendering,  the  Saviour  of  sinners,   the  Physi- 
cian of  sin  sick  souls,   more  and  more  precions  to  you  ; 
and  of  engaging  you   to  prize   more  highly,  his  gospel, 
as  the  warrant  of  your  hope,  and  the  instrument  of  your 
consolation.     Let  it   be  remembered,   that  humility   is 
the  first  lesson,  which  we  are  required  to  learn,  when 
■we  are  called   to  take  upon  us  the  yoke  of  the   meek, 
and  lowly  Jesus  ;  that  humility  is  an  essential,   distin- 
guishing, and  most  amiable   feature   in  the  christian 
character  ;  and  that  in  the  course  of  the  life,  which,  as 
christians,  we  are  to  lead,  by  faith   in  the  Son  of  God, 
we  may  ever  estimate  the  degree  to  which   we  have  at- 
tained in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour,  by  the  measure  of  real  humility  which  we  pos- 
sess.    And  to  lay  us  low   in  humility,  and  at  the   same 
time,  to  exalt  our  Redeemer  in   our  esteem,  how  need- 
ful and  desirable  are  those  discoveries  of  our   depravi- 
ty, our  weaknesses,  our  failures,  our  follies,  our  offences, 
"which  are  occasioned  by  the  business,  the  enjoyments, 
the  temptations,  of  every  day  ;  and  those  views  of  the 
compassion,  the  love,  the  wisdom,  the  power,  the  right- 
eousness, the  intercession  of  Christ,  to  which  the  spir- 
it of  God,  by  the  instrumentality  of  his  word,  most  sen- 
sibly raises  the  minds  of  believers,  when  they  would 


LETTERS.  267 

otherwise  be  more  ready  to  sink  in  despondence,  or  tp 
yield  to  discouragement !  All  the  paths  of  the  Lord, 
towards  his  people,  the  genuine  followers  of  Christ,  are 
mercy  and  truth  :  though  in  these,  they  are  often  led, 
like  the  blind,  as  in  a  way  which  they  understand  not, 
till  they  find,  as  they  surely  will,  in  due  time,  that  all 
the  things  which  appeared  to  be  most  against  them, 
wrere  working  most  certainly  and  effectually  for  their 
good.  May  the  only  wise  God,  our  Saviour,  and  the 
God  of  all  grace,  teach  and  dispose  us,  to  be  more  ancl 
more  satisfied,  that  his  wisdom  should  guide  us,  and  that 
our  best  interests  should  be  promoted,  ^by  the  means 
which  he  may  choose  ;  though  the  most  mortifying  to 
our  natural  vanity,  and  self-sufnciency,  and  the  most 
painful,  to  our  vicious  self-love.  In  a  word,  may  the 
Lord  increase  our  faith  ;  then  we  shall  certainly  have 
increase  in  every  grace  ;  in  those  humiliations  for  our 
deficiences  and  transgressions,  and  in  those  fruits  of 
love,  and  of  holiness,  by  which  he  will  be  most  glori- 
fied, and  ourselves  most  benefitted  ! 

As  to  the  Society,  &c.  it  was  not  our  expectation, 
that  contributions  towards  the  formation,  and  support 
of  it,  would  be  obtained  at  present,  to  any  considerable 
extent ;  or  from  any  but  those  who  felt  themselves 
disposed  or  interested,  on  some  principle  or  other,  in  pro- 
moting the  great  cause  of  religion  ;  and  who  cherished 
at  the  same  time,  sentiments  friendly  to  the  Independent 
or  Congregational  churches.  That  the  idea  of  emanci- 
pation being  connected  with  our  design,  should  be  en- 
tertained by  any,  and  be  suggested  as  an  objection,  is 
indeed  surprising.  With  as  good  ground  might  we  be 
suspected  of  aiming  at  that  object,  in  the  stated  exercise 
of  our  gospel  ministry  in  this   city.     It  should  be  re- 


^6S  LETTERS. 

membered,  that  every  member  of  (he  Association  is  iq- 
terested,  as  an  owner,  in  that  species  of  property, 
against  which  emancipation  would  operate,  and  ought, 
therefore,  to  be  in  the  judgement  of  charity,  considered 
as  believing  that  their  conduct  in  holding  that  property, 
is  justifiable  ;  and  that  in  consistency  with  this,  they 
may  employ  their  endeavours,  and  use  their  influence, 
for  promoting,  as  extensively  as  possible,  and  in  all 
practicable  and  promising  ways,  the  knowl.  dge  of  that 
blessed  gospel,  which,  while  it  proves  the  power  of  God, 
to  the  eternal  salvation  of  every  believer,  has  the  most 
direct  tendency,  and  powerful  efficacy,  towards  mak- 
ing men  better,  and  more  faithful  in  every  relation,  and 
more  contented  and  happy  in  every  situation  in  which 
they  are  placed  by  the  wise  and  good  providence  of  God» 
In  the  commencment  of  this  Society,  we  thought  it 
most  expedient,  that  the  members  of  it,  should  belong 
to  the  Congregational  churches,  in  order  to  secure  that 
harmony  of  sentiment,  which  appeared  to  be  very  im- 
portant in  the  first  measures,  that  should  be  attempted 
to  be  pursued,  with  a  view  to  the  accomplishment  of  a 
great  object  ;  while  our  resources  were  not  expected  to 
be  very  ample.  Should  it  hereafter  appear  to  be  ad- 
visable to  admit  persons  of  other  denominations,  as 
members  of  the  Society,  I  trust  that  the  first  members 
of  it  will  be  found  possessed  of  a  sufficient  degree  of 
liberality  and  zeal,  readijy  and  cordially  to  receive  such 
to  co-operate  with  them  in  so  good  a  work.  In  this 
city,  donations  are  already  engaged  by  subscription,  to 
the  amount  of  about  §700,  and  also  about  sixteen  mem- 
bers, for  the  payment  of  5  dollars  annually.  And  a  con- 
siderable addition,  both  of  donations  and  members,  is  yet 
expected.     Your  affectionate  friend, 

ISAAC  S.  KEITH. 


,tETTERS.  26i 

TO    HIS    SISTER. 

CHARLESTON,   JULY  IS,  18a|. 
^r    DEAR    SISTER, 

While  on  a  short  visit  at  our  brother  and 
sister  M's,  last  fall,  I  wrote  you  a  few  lines  in  great 
haste,  informing  you,  that  my  dear  wife,  with  her  sister, 
Miss  M.  L.  and  myself,  had  spent  a  considerable  part 
of  the  preceding  season  in  travelling,  first  by  sea  to 
New-York,  and  then  by  land  to  Ballston  Springs, 
and  thence  through  New-England,  Sec.  &c.  chiefljr 
with  a  view  to  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  K's  health,  which, 
had  been  for  several  years  greatly  impaired.  This 
measure  was  adopted  and  pursued,  after  the  skill  of 
physicians,  and  the  power  of  medicine,  bad  been  long 
tried,  without  much  effect,  as  the  one  which  seemed  to 
promise  most  success.  But  it  did  not  please  the  Lord, 
in  whose  hands  are  all  events,  to  render  it  effectual  to 
the  attainment  of  the  desired  object.  For  a  time,  in- 
deed, it  seemed  to  be  attended  with  the  happiest  ef- 
fects. All  the  pleasing,  flattering  hopes,  however, 
"which  were  thus  raised,  soon  terminated  in  painful  dis- 
appointment. 

We  returned  to  Charleston  by  land  ;  after  travelling 
from  New-York,  in  various  places  and  directions,  about 
2000  miles,  from  the  middle  of  July.  Generally, 
while  riding,  my  dear  Mrs.  K.  was  sensibly  better,  but 
within  a  few  days  after  reaching  home,  which  was  on 
the  2d  of  December,  she  was  confined  to  her  chamber, 
in  consequence  of  the  increase  of  a  cokl  which  she  had 
taken  on  the  road.     At  difTerent  times,  her  cough  was 


2r0  ^  LETTERS. 

attended  with  a  spitting  of  blood.  And  from  this  period, 
her  former  complaints,  increased  by  this  severe  cold,  and 
alarming  haemorrhage,  began  to  assume  decidedly  the 
form  of  a  consumption,  of  the  nervous  class  ;  under 
which  she  languished,  till  the  15th  day  of  May  last  ; 
when,  between  six  and  seven  o'clock,  in  the  morning  of 
th*e  Lord's  day,  she  left  me,  and  her  other  connexions 
and  friends  here,  in  the  house  of  mourning,  and  trium- 
phantly entered  upon  the  enjoyment  of  that  everlasting 
sabbath,  which  is  celebrated  by  the  spirits  of  the  just, 
made  perfect  in  glory. 

"  To  her — to  die,  was  indeed  great  gain,^^  But  ta 
me,  how  great  is  the  loss,  which  I  suffer  inljeing  again 
bereaved  of  the  nearest  and  dearest  of  all  human  con- 
nexions;  and  again  deprived  of  all  the  desirable  advan- 
tages and  comforts,  which  were  found  in  the  society  of 
a  worthy  and  amiable  Christian  friend,  united  with  me 
in  the  tenderest  of  all  mortal  ties.  But  the  Lord  is 
righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  holy  in  all  his  works.  He 
doth  all  things  well  ;  and  under  his  administration,  and 
through  his  sanctifying  blessing,  all  things  shall  most 
certainly  and  effectually  work  together  for  good,  to 
those  who  love  him.  And  blessed  be  his  name  for  all 
the  rich,  and  strong  consolations,  with  which  he  has 
mingled  and  sweetened  the  bitter  cup,  which  he  has 
given  me  to  drink  ;  while  he  calls  me  to  mourn  under 
this  bereaving  stroke  of  his  holy  hand  ! 

The  first  months  of  my  dear  wife's  illness,  were  to 
her  a  season  of  great  trial.  Her  affectionate  heart,  feel- 
ing the  full  force  of  a  naturally  warm  and  tender  attach- 
ment to  her  beloved  connexions  and  friends,  was  some- 
times almost  overwhelmed  with  the  thought  of  a  final 
separation  from  them,  as  to  this  world,  which  she  began 


LETTERS.  27i 

to  anticipate  as  near  at  hand.  Still  more  was  she  dis- 
tressed with  a  consciousness  of  many  spiritual  infirmi- 
ties, and  of  various  guilt;  especially  when  she  consider- 
ed herself  as  an  ungrateful  backslider,  who  had  sufiered 
the  cares  and  the  enjoyments  of  this  life,'  to  abate  the 
zeal  and  delight,  which  she  had  experienced  for  some- 
time after  she  began  to  walk  in  wisdom's  ways,  under 
the  influence  of  her  first  love.  And  at  the  same  time, 
the  temptations  of  the  artful,  malicious  adversary,  were 
frequently  employed  to  darken  and  perplex  her  mind  ; 
and  more  particularly  to  increase  her  natural  dread  of 
suffering  ;  and  especially  her  fear  of  the  pain  of  dying. 
He  was,  however,  never  permitted  to  prevail  so  far 
against  her,  as  to  deprive  her  wholly  of  the  hope  in  her 
Redeemer,  which  she  had  cherished,  and  which  she 
was  enabled  to  hold  fast,  from  the  period  of  her  first 
making  an  open  profession  of  her  faith  in  him,  and  of 
her  being  received  into  the  communion  of  his  church, 
which  was  about  seven  years  ago.  As  to  her  hope, 
she  repeatedly  observed,  that  she  had  often,  and  often 
examined  the  foundation  of  it,  and  earnestly  prayed, 
that  if  it  were  not  a  genuine,  well-founded,  christian 
hope,  it  might  be  torn  from  her,  and  she  left  destitute 
and  forlorn,  till  she  should  obtain  a  better.  But  finding 
that  it  rested  solely  on  the  atonement,  the  righteous- 
ness, the  intercession,  and  the  promises  of  her  Redeem- 
er, she  was  led  to  rejoice  in  him,  as  an  holy  Saviour, 
who  saves  his  people  from  their  sins,  and  makes  them 
holy;  while  it  disposed  her  to  renounce,  with  abhor» 
rence,  the  idea  of  recommending  herself  to  the  favour 
of  God,  by  any  good  works  that  she  had  ever  done,  or 
ever  could  do,  and  proved  an  anchor  to  her  soul,  amid 
the  most  violent  assaults  of  temptation,  and  under  the 


272  LETTERS. 

most  humbling  discoveries  of  her  own  corruptions,  fail- 
ings,  and  offences.  She  thought  that  her  hope  was  sup- 
ported by  scripture  evidence,  and  that  to  give  it  up, 
would  be  ungrateful  to  her  Lord,  and  a  wrong  done  to 
her  own  soul.  Yet,  such  were  her  views  of  the  corrup- 
tions of  her  nature,  and  such  her  conflicts  in  the  chris- 
tian warfare,  that  she  enjoyed,  for  a  long  time,  but  little 
of  the  pecidiar  satisfactions  or  consolations  of  religion. 
And  while  in  this  uncomfortable  frame  of  mind,  she 
would  frequently,  and  most  pathetically  repeat,  that 
excellent  expressive  hymn  of  Cowper,  the  98th,  Rip- 
pon's  Selection  j  or  the  3d  in  the  1st  Book  of  OInej 
Hymns. 

Oh,  for  a  closer  walk  with  God, 
A  calm  and  heavenly  frame  : 
A  light  to  shine  upon  the  road 
That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb  ! 

Where  is  the  blessedness  1  knew, 
"When  first  T  saw  the  Lord  ? 
Where  is  the  soul  refreshing  view 
Of  Jesus  and  his  word  I 

What  peaceful  hours  T  then  enjoy'd, 
How  sweet  their  memorv  still ; 
But  now  I  find  an  aching  void. 
The  world  can  never  fill. 

Keturn,  O  holy  Dove,  return. 
Sweet  messenger  of  rest  ! 
I  hate  the  sins  that  made  thee  roourn^ 
And  drove  thee  from  my  breast. 

The  dearest  idol  T  have  known, 
Whatever  that  idol  be, 
Help  me  to  tear  it  from  thy  throne, 
And  worship  only  thee. 

So  shall  mv  walk  be  close  with  God, 
Calm  and  serene  my  frame  : 
So  purer  light  shall  msrk  the  road, 
^That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb. 


letters;  2r3 

At  length  the  scene  became  most  happily  changed  in 
her  favoicr,  and  to  the  unspeakable  consolation  of  her 
sympathizing  friends.     This  change  from  an  anxious 
and  gloomj,   to  a   calra  and  heavenly,  frame  of  mind, 
took  place  more  than  two  months  prior  to  her  dissolu- 
tion.    The  Spirit  of  God,  having  brought  her  down  to 
a  state  of  deep  humiliation  and  contrition,  began  then 
clearly    and   satisfactorily    to    bear    witness    with    her 
spirit,  that  she  was  a  child  of  God,  through  her  union, 
by  a  vital  faith,  with  his  beloved  Son,  and  that  he  was 
exercising  her  with  all  the  afflictions  and  trials  which 
she  endured,  not  for  his  pleasure,  but  for  her  profit,  that 
she  might  become  a  partaker,  in  a  larger  measure,  of  his  , 
holiness.     Being  now  enabled,  with  humble  confidence, 
to  claim  an  interest  in  his  favour  and  love,  while  rely- 
ing with  a  cheerful,  stedfast  trustj  on  the  atoning,  cleans- 
ing blood,  and  justifying  righteousness,  of  Jesus,   her 
broken,  sorrowing  heart,  was  healed  and  revived  ;   nor 
were  the  consolations  of  God  any  longer  small  with  her* 
Her  soul  now  filled,  if  not  with  sensible  joy,  at  least 
with  solid,  settled  peace  in  believing,  no  longer  felt  its 
former  difficulty  and  reluctance,  in  giving  up  all  the  en- 
dearments and  comforts,  which  she  had  experienced,  or 
could  ever  hope  to  find,   in  the  society  of  her  dearest 
relatives  and  friends  on  earth  ;  for  now  all  her  hope  and 
confidence,  her  affections  and  joys,  were  concentrated 
in  that  Divine  Friend,  her  blessed  and  dear  Redeemer, 
as  she  constantly  called   him,  who,   she   was  assured, 
could  alone  effectually  help  and  comfort  her,  and  would 
never  leave  nor  forsake  her.     And  under  the  influence 
of  a  stedfast  faith,  and  lively  hope  in  him,   and  in  the 
cheering  prospect  of  that  eternal  life,  which  God  has, 
in  and  through  him,  promised  to  believers,  she  was  new 
35 


274  LETTERS. 

enabled  to  view,  the  certain,  steady,  solemn  approach  of 
death,  with  an  undismayed  heart ;  and  not  only  so,  but 
with  an  ardent  desire  to  depart,  that  she  might  be  with 
her  Saviour  and  her  God.  <«  Oh  !  (said  she,  at  differ- 
ent times,  within  the  week  before  her  death,)  Oh,  that 
the  blessed  hour  were  come  !  Oh,  that  it  might  be  this 
night !  or  this  moment,  if  it  were  the  will  of  God  ;  for 
then  I  shall  be  happy,  happy,  happy." 

Two  or  three  days  before  she  died,  when  her  physi- 
cian was  feeling  her  pulse,  she  asked  him,  how  her  pulse 
seemed  to  beat.  On  his  ansv7ering,  "  Quite  strong 
yet ;"  she  expressed  in  her  countenance  much  disap- 
pointment, and  said  ;  "  I  had  hoped,  that  you  could 
have  told  me,  that  it  was  quite  weak  and  low."  No- 
thing indeed  seemed  to  afford  her  greater  satisfaction 
and  pleasure,  than  the  intimation,  that  her  time  would 
be  short  ;  and  her  greatest  fear  seemed  to  be,  that  she 
might  not  be  able  to  hold  out  in  the  exercise  of  becom- 
ing patience,  till  her  change  should  come.  On  the  day 
before  she  died,  she  asked  me,  whether  I  thought  it 
would  be  wrong  to  pray  for  her  speedy  dismission.  I 
observed  to  her,  that  it  might  perhaps  be  lawful  thus  to 
pray,  provided  it  be  with  submission  to  the  will  of  God, 
and  a  disposition  to  wait  for  his  appointed  time.  And 
on  my  inquiring,  whether  she  really  wished  to  go  and 
leave  all  her  friends,  to  whom  she  had  been  so  strongly 
and  tenderly  attached  here  ?  she  replied  ;  "  Oh,  yes  ; 
what  are  they  all  to  me  ;  or  what  can  any  of  them  do  for 
me  now  ?  None  of  you  know  what  I  suffer  ;  and  much 
less  can  you  give  me  any  relief:  Oh,"  said  she,  point- 
ing to  her  breast,  *'I  now  feel  the  foretaste  of  death 
here."  I  then  asked  her,  whether  she  still  felt  her  heart 
fixed,  trusting  in  her  best  friend,  her  Almighty  and 


LETTERS.  275 

blessed  Saviour,  from  whom  alone  her  help  could 
come,  and  her  aiind  at  peace  trusting  in  him,  believing 
that  he  would  be  with  her,  as  her  very  present  help, 
and  all-sufficient  Saviour,  till  he  would  give  her  the  dis- 
mission for  which  she  was  longing  ;  and  recei-^  e  her  to 
be  with  hitiiielf  for  ever  ?  she  answered,  "Yes!  yes! 
1  have  no  doubt :  but  I  am  too  weak  to  talk;"  and  wav- 
ing her  hand,  she  desired  me  to  leave  her. 

Within  a  few  days  before  her  death,  when  very  rest- 
less under  a  burning  fever,  she  said  to  the  kind  friends, 
whose  looks  and  actions  manifested  the  readiest  disposi- 
tion to  sooth  and  relieve  her,  as  fir  as  lay  in  their 
power  ;  "  Ah,  J  am  indeed  suffering  much,  much  more 
than  any  of  you  can  imagine  :  but  much  rather  would  I 
suffer  all  that  I  endure  on  this  bed  of  sickness,  than  be 
abroad  in  the  world,  in  health,  sinning  against  my  God; 
for  I  do  think  that  I  love  him  sincerely."  In  short,  her 
submission  to  his  will,  her  approbation  of  all  his  methods 
of  dealing  with  her,  whether  afflicting  or  comforting; 
and  her  longing  desire  to  be  with  him,  in  a  state  of 
complete  holiness,  as  well  as  of  perfect  happiness,  mani- 
fested in  the  most  satisfactory  manner,  that  she  was  in- 
deed, born  of  tlie  spirit  ;  made  a  new  creature  in  Christ, 
and  graciously  prepared  for  that  eternal  glory  in  the 
presence  of  God,  to  which  her  Iieart  so  ardently  aspired. 
And  when,  at  length,  the  blessed  /ioifr  of  her  departure 
arrived,  [evv  perhaps  ever  realized  more  fully  the  pre- 
cious import  of  those  elegant,  expressive  lines,  of  the 
pious  Watts. 

Jesus  can  make  a  dying  bed. 
Feel  soft  as  downy  pillows  are  ; 
While  on  his  breast  1  lean  my  head. 
And  breathe  my  life  out  sweetly  there. 


*2,76  '  iETTERS. 

Oh,  what  grace  was  this  !  How  astonishing;  liow  ad- 
mirable  the  change  which  it  effects  in  the  views  and 
feelings  of  nature  !  How  wonderfully  are  its  power  and 
influence  displayed,  in  divesting  life,  naturally  so  sweet 
to  mortals,  of  all  its  endearing  charms;  in  disarming  the 
horrid  nionsler  death,  of  its  sting  ;  and  in  relieving  the 
soul  from  all  the  dread,  which  it  once  felt,  in  the  view 
of  a  change  of  worlds,  and  in  spreading  the  brightest 
glories,  over  the  prospects  of  eternity  !  Surely  the  con- 
sideration of  this  grace,  is  well  adapted  to  minister  the 
most  grateful,  consoling  reflections,  amidst  all  our  ten- 
der, affecting  recollections,  of  dear  departed  friends, 
"who  have  been  the  happy  subjects  of  it  j  and  to  engage 
us  to  pray  and  hope,  that  it  may  in  like  manner,  be  made 
sufficient  for  us,  to  furnish  us  thoroughly  for  all  the  du- 
ties and  trials  of  life,  and  to  make  ns  more  than  con- 
querors over  the  last  enemy  death,  and  to  carry  us 
triumphantly  to  glory  ! 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH* 


TO    DR.   F. 

CHARLESTON,  AUGUST    G,   1803. 

BiIY    DEAR    SIR, 

i  OUR  very  acceptable  letter  of  two  sheets 
folio,  under  date  the  26th  ult.  I  received  through  the 
hands  of  Mr.  J.  F.  on  the  2d  inst.  I  have  always 
found  pleasure,  and  frequently  improvement,  in  the  pe- 
rusal of  your  letters.  Those  which  I  have  lately  re- 
ceived from  you,  have  been  peculiarly  interesting  and 
pleasing  ;  not  only  as  they  discover  your  own  heart. 


BETTERS.  277 

warmly  engaged  in  religion,  and  your  efforts,  zealously 
employed  for  the  purpose  of  securing  the  blessings  of  it 
to  others  ;  but  as  they  furnish  a  great  deal  of  informa- 
tion, which  lea\es  no  room  to  doubt,  that  the  great 
cause  which  you  and  others  are  labouring  to  support  and 
promote,  is  now  succeeding  and  prospering  in  B.  in  a 
manner  truly  retnarkable,  and  wor;hy  of  peculiar  atten- 
tion. Let  Zion's  King  have  all  the  glory  of  his  own 
\fork  ;  and  let  the  hearts  of  his  friends  be  encouraged, 
and  their  hands  strengthened,  to  undertake  and  accom- 
plish whatever  they  find,  and  are  called  to  do,  for  the 
glory  of  his  name,  and  the  advancement  of  his  interests, 
■within  the  sphere  of  their  influence.  The  account 
"which  you  give  of  a  number  of  the  youth  among  the 
first  families  in  your  community,  being  awakened  to  the 
serious  consideration  of  the  concerns  of  their  souls,  and 
engaged  in  seeking  an  interest  in  the  Redeemer,  is  tru- 
ly pleasing  intelligence.  They  are  the  rising  hope  of 
Ihe  church.  May  many  of  them  be  raised  up,  and 
prepared,  as  the  subjects  of  grace,  and  heirs  of  salva- 
tion, to  be  ornaments  of  a  christian  profession,  the  de- 
fenders and  supporters  of  the  gospel,  and  the  honor- 
ed instruments  of  transmitting  its  blessings  to  the  gene- 
rations which  shall  succeed  them.  The  instance, 
which  you  mention,  of  the  young  lady,  educated  in  this 
city,  and  now  at  home  in  B.  having  received  her  first 
religious  impressions  under  one  of  ray  sermons,  affords 
me  a  new  occasion  for  admiring  the  grace  of  God,  which 
employs  the  agency  of  the  most  unworthy  of  his  ser- 
vants, for  usefulness  to  those  whom  he  is  pleased  to 
bless.  If  any  good  is  done  by  my  ministry,  I  surely 
know  enough  of  myself,  to  constrain  me  to  say,  "  Not 
Hnto  me,  O  Lord,  not  unto  me,  but  to  thy  name  give  glo- 


2/8  LETTERS. 

ry,  for  ihy  mercj  and  Ihy  truth's  sake."  The  thought 
that  my  poor  labours  should  be  in  any  degree  success- 
ful, in  promoting  the  best,  the  immortal  interests  of  my 
felloRT  sinners,  is  one  of  the  most  pleasing  and  delight- 
ful, that  my  heai't  can  cherish.  It  is  so,  on  account  of 
the  happiness  which  I  feel  in  contributing  to  the  happi- 
ness of  others  ;  and  as  the  name  of  the  Lord  is  manifest- 
ly and  peculiarly  magnified  and  glorified,  when  good  is 
done,  by  such  an  instrumentality  as  mine.  Let  the 
God  of  all  grace,  and  the  only  Saviour  be  exalted  !  and 
may  I  know  and  keep  my  place  in  the  deepest  humilia- 
tion at  his  feet !  But  whether  I  should  allow  myself  to 
be  much  comforted  or  encouraged  by  this  case,  may  in 
some  measure  depend  on  the  event  of  this  young  lady's 
present  serious  concern.  May  He  who  has  awakened 
it  by  his  good  spirit,  by  means  of  his  word,  bring  it  for- 
ward to  the  most  desirable  and  happy  issue,  in  that  re- 
pentance which  is  unto  life,  not  to  be  repented  of;  and 
that  faith  in  the  Redeemer,  which  will  be  to  the  saving 
of  the  soul ;  and  not  suffer  it  to  prove  like  the  morning 
cloud,  and  the  early  dew,  soon  passing  away  ! 

I  feel  a  very  high  gratification,  in  hearing,  not  only 
by  your  letter,  but  also  through  others  which  have  been 
received  here,  that  my  young  friend  Mr.  P,  is  so  favour- 
ably received  at  B.  and  that  in  his  public  services,  and 
in  his  private  intercourse  with  the  people,  he  has  concil- 
iated general  esteem,  and  promises  so  fairly  to  be  use- 
ful in  the  most  important  of  all  concerns,  those  of  reli- 
gion. I  was  well  persuaded,  that  as  his  piety,  talents, 
and  worthy  character,  became  more  and  more  unfolded, 
in  the  course  of  an  increasing  acquaintance,  he  would 
rise  in  the  good  opinion  of  the  religious,  and  the  serious- 
ly disposed.     May  his  blessed  Lord  and  Master  in- 


LETTERS.  279 

crease  his  graces  and  gifts,  crown  bis  labours  of  love 
among  you,  with  abundant  success,  in  the  conversion  of 
sinners,  in  the  edification  of  believers,  and  in  the  promo- 
tion of  the  establishment,  growth,  and  prosperity  of  your 
infant  church !  In  order  to  his  being  thus  honored,  I 
trust  he  will  be  kept  humble  ;  still  waiting  in  believing 
dependence  upon  his  Lord,  in  whom  all  fulness  dwells, 
seasonably  receiving  all  needful  supplies  from  him,  and 
rendering  all  back  to  him  in  gratitude,  praise,  and  cheer- 
ful, persevering  obedience,  and  service  I  The  provision 
which  you  have  made  for  his  support,  is  in  my  view, 
all  circumstances  considered,  an  expression  of  the  lib- 
erality of  the  people ;  and  to  him,  in  his  present  situa- 
tion, it  will,  I  doubt  not,  be  adequate  to  his  necessities, 
and  entirely  satisfactory.  In  short,  I  think  he  has  great 
cause  for  thankfulness  and  encouragement,  on  account 
of  the  many  agreeable,  favourable  and  promising  cir- 
cumstances attending  his  residence  among  you.  May 
the  Lord  maintain  and  increase  your  comfort  in  each 
other ;  and  multiply  to  you,  respectively,  the  blessings 
of  his  love  and  his  peace  ! 

I  thank  you  for  the  abstract  which  you  have  given 
me  of  the  Constitutional  Rules  of  your  Church.  I  sup- 
pose they  are  suited  to  your  circumstances  ;  and  to  me 
they  appear  to  be  generally  good.  I  am  particularly 
pleased  with  the  article  relative  to  the  doctrines  in 
which  the  Church  professes  her  faith.  The  want  of 
something  of  this  nature  in  our  own  Constitution,  I  con- 
sider as  a  deficiency  to  be  regretted  :  particularly  as  I 
think  it  improper,  and  likely  to  be  productive  of  evil, 
that  persons  who  do  not  believe  some  of  the  fundamen- 
tal, distinguishing  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  should  have 
a  right  to  vote,  in  the  choice  of  a  pastor.     The  West- 


28#  LETTERS. 

minster  Confession  of  Faith,  as  a  system  of  doctrine,  ia 
my  opinion,  is  conformable,  in  all  the  great  points,  to 
scripture  truth.  Perhaps  some  objections  ojay  lie 
against  a  rule  of  the  church,  requiring  it  to  be  adopted, 
in  toto,  as  a  standard  by  which  the  faith  of  every  per- 
son must  be  measured,  in  order  to  admission  to  church 
privileges;  and  perhaps  a  more  brief,  comprehensive 
summary  of  fundamental,  divine  truths,  might  be  sub- 
stituted in  the  constitution  itself,  as  a  measure  more 
eligible,  than  that  of  an  unlimited  adoption  of  the  West- 
minster Confession,  But  the  adoption  o(  such  a  stand- 
ard, more  or  less  brief  or  full,  I  regard  as  a  matter  of 
importance  to  the  purity  of  the  church,  and  well  adapt- 
ed  to  ensure  its  stability  and  prosperity,  on  the  most 
solid  and  permanent  grounds. 

ISAAC    S.  KEITH. 


TO    DR.    F. 

CHARLESTON,    JULY  6,    180J. 

kY    DEAR    FRIEND, 

1  HREE  of  your  letters  are  now  be- 
fore me,  under  dates  June  iTlh  and  2rth,and  July  1st. 
All  these  favours,  be  assured,  have  been  very  welcome 
to  me  and  are  very  thankfully  acknowledged.  The 
kind  notice  which  you  have  taken  in  the  first  especially 
of  my  present  situation  under  a  bereaving  dispensation 
of  Divine  Providence,  which  has  deprived  me  of  a  mul- 
tiplicity of  the  most  desirable,  and  the  dearest  of  social 
enjoyments  and  mortal  coijforts,  and  the  sympathy  ex- 
pressed by  Mrs.   F.  and  yourself,  together  with  the 


LETTERS.  281 

consolatory  reflections  which  jou  have  su2;gested,have 
been  truly  grateful  and  soothing  to  me.  It  is  a  sweet 
allev  iation  of  our  sorrows,  to  know  that  they  are  tender- 
ly shared  by  friends,  and  especially  by  christian  friends, 
whom  we  esteem  and  love,  and  by  whose  prayers  we 
may  be  helped  to  bear,  and  to  improve  them  with  a 
christian  temper,  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  our  own  spi- 
ritual benefit.  I  accept,  with  peculiar  satisfaction,  the 
friendly  interest  which  you,  and  your  worthy  partner, 
feel  in  my  concerns,  and  I  will  esteem  it  as  a  particular 
favour,  to  be  still  remembered  by  you  in  your  prayers. 
You  are  no  doubt  mutually  sensible  of,  and  thankful  for, 
the  happiness  and  the  many  advantages  which  you  en- 
joy in  a  connexion  the  most  endearing  that  can  subsist 
between  mortals  on  earth,  and  which  is  peculiarly  in- 
teresting to  those  who  are  heirs  together  of  the  grace 
of  life.  Let  every  day*s  continuance  of  these  precious 
comforts  and  blessings,  serve  to  enliven  your  gratitude 
for  them,  and  to  unite  your  hearts  in  a  more  fervent 
love  to  the  gracious  Author  of  them.  And  remember- 
ing the  changing  scenes  of  life,  "lean  not  on  earth,"  but 
let  your  trust,  your  hope,  your  joy,  with  the  supreme 
affections  of  your  hearts,  centre  m  the  Lord  your  God 
and  Redeemer,  in  whom  alone  they  can  find  a  solid  and 
permanent  support,  and  an  unchangeable  object,  every 
way  adequate,  and  altogether  worthy !  In  him  may 
you  feel  yourselves  daily  more  and  more  blessed  ;  and 
through  his  grace  wilh  you,  may  you  prove  rich  and  in- 
creasing blessings  to  each  other,  to  the  dear  children 
whom  the  Lord  has  graciously  given  you,  and  to  many 
around  you  in  the  sphere  of  duty  and  usefulness,  in 
which  he  has  wisely  placed  you  ! 

36  ' 


382  LETTERS. 

I  cannot  express  to  you,  the  satisfaction  which  Ifeel 
in  the  view  which  you  have  given  me  of  the  pleasing 
state  of  your  infant  church.  Its  beginning,  though 
small,  seems  to  be  peculiarly  promising.  May  its 
V^growth  be  rapid,  and  its  latter  end  greatly  increased  I 
The  progress  which  you  have  already  made,  in  associ- 
ating and  organizing  yourselves  as  a  church,  exceeds  all 
the  expectations  which  I  had  formed  in  your  favour,  for 
so  early  a  period.  Not  unto  yourselves,  not  unto  your- 
selves, but  unto  the  Lord,  who  has  all  hearts  in  his 
hands,  and  who  gives  to  the  counsels  and  conduct  of  his 
creatures,  that  direction  and  that  issue  which  he  pleases, 
let  all  the  glory  be  ascribed  !  And  still  remember,  "  that 
the  Lord  is  with  you  while  you  are  with  him.''  Where- 
fore, "  be  strong,  and  work"  in  his  name  and  for  his 
glory  ;  and  doubt  not  that  "  he  will  establish  the  work  of 
your  hands,  and  cause  his  work  to  appear  among  your- 
selves, and  his  glory  to  your  children,"  and  successors  ! 

The  Lord  indeed  seems  to  be  beginning  to  do  great 
things  for  you  :  particularly  in  disposing  the  hearts  of 
some  tojoinyou,  or  to  favour  you, whose  wealth  and  tal- 
ents give  them  an  important  influence  in  their  stations 
in  the  world.  The  souls  of  all  indeed,  of  the  meanest 
slave,  and  of  the  greatest  potentate,  are  in  one  view 
equally  precious,  as  they  are  equally  immortal,  and 
equally  liable  to  everlasting  misery,  and  equally  capa- 
ble of  everlasting  happiness,  and  will  certainly  suffer 
the  one,  or  enjoy  the  other,  to  the  extent  of  their  re- 
spective powers  through  all  the  ages  of  eternity.  But, 
undoubtedly  when  such  men  as  Barnwell  and  Clay  be- 
come the  genuine  disciples  of  the  cross,and  friends  of  the 
gospel,  they  are  qualified,  from  their  superior  intellec- 
tual abilities  and  education,  and  from  their  worldly  pos- 


LETTERS.  283 

sessions  and  preponderating  weight  in  societj,  to  do 
more  than  others,  in  supporting  and  promoting  the  Re- 
deemer's cause  and  interests  in  the  world.  I  am  happy 
indeed  to  hear,  that  you  have  the  countenance  and  aid 
of  such  distinguished  characters  in  your  designs  and  ef- 
forts for  the  advancement  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion, 
in  your  town  and  neighbourhood.  May  the  Lord  increase 
the  number  of  such  subjects  of  his  grace,  and  champions 
of  his  cross,  and  more  and  more  abundantly  bless  them, 
and  make  them  blessings  to  the  church  and  the  world  ! 

As  to  yourself,  in  respect  to  the  difSculties  which 
you  feel  in  acting  conformably  to  the  obligations  impos- 
ed by  the  new  ofHce  in  the  church,  with  which  you  are 
vested  ;  I  need  only  remind  you  that  in  the  adorable 
Head  of  the  church,  whom  you  are  called  to  serve  in 
that  station,  all  fulness  divells,  and  that  froiii  this  you 
are  to  draw,  according  to  your  wants,  by  prayer  and 
faith ;  and  you  have  only  to  ask,  believing,  that  yon 
may  receive  abundantly  from  him  who  giveth  wisdom 
and  grace  liberally,  without  upbraiding  his  supplicants 
for  their  necessities,  or  their  unworthiness. 

Your  promised  abstract  of  your  constitution,  and 
your  farther  communications  respecting  your  church 
and  family,  yourself,  &c.  Sec.  will  be  very  acceptable  to 
me.  Write  often  and  largely  :  but  expect  not  measure 
for  measure  from  me :  as  I  am  often,  in  ray  present  soli- 
tary situation,  solitary  in  a  domestic  and  pastoral  view, 
so  much  occupied  with  a  variety  of  affairs,  unavoidably 
demanding  my  attention  and  my  cares^  that  I  find  very 
little  leisure  for  corresponding  with  my  friends.  Find- 
ing it  impracticable  to  write  to  you  last  week,  as  the 
past  Lord's  day  was  our  sacramental  season,  I  desired 
Mr.  Palmer  to  write  in  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  iTth 


284  -  LETTERS. 

June  :  and  his  letter,  I  hope  you  have  ere  this  received. 
Assure  yourself  and  Mrs.  F.  of  the  sincere  esteem, 
and  affectionate  regard,  and  continued  prayers  of  your 
real  friend, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 

JULY  7,  180S. 

p.  S.  I  refer  you  to  Mr.  P.  for  information  respect- 
ing the  state  of  things  in  our  city,  and  in  our  church, 
&c. 

I  wish  I  could  inform  you  that  religion  had  become 
more  lively  among  us.  Some  of  our  professors  appear, 
indeed,  to  be  a  little  revived  ;  and  our  assemblies  in 
church,  are  much  more  full  thaii  they  were  a  few  weeks 
ago,  even  when  they  were  collected  in  one  house  of 
worship  ;  as  has  been  the  case  during  Dr.  H's  indispo- 
sition, since  Mr.  C*s  departure  for  the  northward. 

Here  and  there  an  individual  is  discerned  among  us^ 
inquiring  the  way  to  Zion,  with  the  face  directed 
thifherward.  Oh!  to  see  multitudes  flying  to  Christ, 
and  crowding  unto  his  church,  like  the  doves  to  their 
windows  !  Pray  for  us  as  a  church  :  I  would  desire  to 
do  the  same  for  you.  May  the  Lord  bless  and  keep 
you  and  yours  !  i.  s.  k. 


TO    REV.    MR.    p. 

CHARLESTON,    NOVEMBER    16,    1802. 
MY    DEAR    SIR, 

1  HAVE  now  before  me,  three  of  your  favours, 
under  dates,  September  3,  October  22,  and  November 
r.     When  I  was  about  sitting  down  to  answer  the  firsts 


LETTERS.  285 

a  letter  from  Dr.  F.  informed  me,  of  the  determi- 
nation of  the  Independent  Church,  in  B.  to  pre- 
sent axall  to  you,  inviting  jou  to  become  their  pastor  ; 
and  that  you  intended  very  soon  to  write  to  me  on  the 
subject.  I  then  concluded  to  wait  a  little  longer  for 
your  expected  communication,  which  I  accordingly, 
in  a  short  time  received  ;  and  before  I  could  find  lei- 
sure for  acknowledging  it,  your  last  came  to  hand, 
through  Mr.  F. 

For  all  these  fav  ours,  I  sincerely  thank  you.  While 
they  excite  my  sympathy,  on  account  of  some  difScul- 
ties  which  you  feel,  they  have  given  me  much  satisfac- 
tion, as  they  express  those  exercises  of  heart,  with 
which  all  real  christians  are  more  or  less  acquainted, 
^and  to  which  all  others  are  entire  strangers  ;  and  as 
they  give  the  desirable  information  that  religion  is  still 
lively  and  flourishing,  and  apparently  increasing  in 
B.  notwithstanding  some  unpleasant  circumstances 
seem  to  threaten  giving  a  check,  or  unfavourable 
turn  to  the  good  work  which  is  going  on  among  you. 

The  diflSculties  of  which  you  complain,  appear  to 
arise  from  three  sources ;  your  heart,  your  head,  and 
your  local  situation.  Those  connected  with  the  heart, 
although  they  are  peculiarly  painful  and  trying,  may 
yet  be  considered  as  at  the  same  time  adapted  to  min- 
ister to  you,  much  encouragement  and  comfort.  What 
indeed  can  be  more  encouraging  and  consoling,  than  to 
find  your  case  so  fully  corresponding,  with  that  of  oth- 
er disciples  and  followers  of  Christ,  who  have  given  the 
best  evidence  of  their  sincerity,  and  have  been  most 
distinguished  by  their  spiritual  experiences  ?  What 
think  you  of  the  view  which  the  great  apostle  Paul 
has  given,  particularly  in  the  Tth  chapter  of  his  Epis- 


286  LETTERS. 

tie  to  the  Komans,  of  the  state  of  his  heart,  as  the  seat 
of  a  constant  warfare,  between  the  struggling  principles 
of  corrupt  nature,  and  ruling  power  of  victorious  grace? 
And  if  you  are  travelling  over  the  same  ground,  and 
engaged  in  the  same  conflict  with  hicj,  though  not  with 
equal  strength  and  success,  have  you  not  good  reason 
to  conclude,  that  you  are  in  the  right  way,  to  the  ever- 
lasting rest,  and  glorious  triumph,  of  the  genuine  follow- 
ers of  him,  when  grace  shall  complete  what  grace  has  be- 
gun, and  finish  that  salvation  from  sin  and  sorrow,  in 
the  partial  experience  of  which,  the  redeemed  are  even 
now  authorized,  and  frequently  enabled  to  rejoice  and 
sing,  "  I  thank  God,  through  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord." 

As  to  your  head,  seeming  to  be  sometimes,  as  if  it 
were  made  of  block,  I  suppose  you  do  not  feel  more 
stupid,  or  barren  of  sentiment,  or  slow  at  conceiving 
and  arranging  ideas,  than  Bunyan  did,  when  he  felt,  in 
preaching,  as  if  his  head  were  tied  up  in  a  bag.  Yet 
he  preached  and  wrote  too,  eminently  to  the  edifica- 
tion of  believers,  and  the  salvation  of  sinners.  If  it 
would  be  any  comfort  to  you,  I  might  refer  you  to  oth- 
ers, and  particularly  to  one  with  whom  I  am  intimate 
ly  acquainted,  who  have  been  much  longer  than  you 
have  been,  groaning  under  the  complicated  difficulties 
of  a  disordered  heart,  and  a  blockish  head  ;  and  who 
have  been  often  and  often  tempted,  to  think  that  they 
were  out  of  their  proper  sphere,  when  attempting  to 
compose  sermons,  or  to  preach  the  gospel  ;  but  have 
been  still,  by  some  secret  influence,  which  they  could 
not  wholly  withstand,  constrained  to  persevere  in  the 
work,  however  arduous,  and  however  great  their  insuf- 
ficiency for  it,  of  which  they  have  been  conscious. 
In  short,  those  seasons,  in  which  we  feel  most  sensibly 


LETTERS.  28^ 

and  deeply,  the  stupidity  of  our  heads,  and  the  per- 
verseness  of  our  hearts,  may  be  in  the  result,  the  most 
profitable,  although  at  first,  they  may  seem  to  be  the  most 
unpleasant  and  unpromising.  And  this  will  certainly 
be  the  case,  if  at  such  seasons,  we  are  emptied  of  self, 
and  brought  to  seek  more  earnestly,  and  to  partake 
more  largely,  of  that  fulness,  which  dwells  in  Christ  ; 
who  is  our  light  and  life,  our  wisdom  and  strength,  our 
sanctification  and  redemption,  our  All  in  all. 

In  respect  to  your  acceptance  of  the  call  presented 
to  you  by  the  Independent  Church,  I  have  already,  as 
you  observe,  given  my  sentiments  to  Dr.  F.  and 
till  I  see  substantial  reason  for  altering  my  opinion,  it 
must  remain  decidedly  in  favour  of  that  measure.  I 
would,  indeed,  apprehend,  that  your  declining  the  ac- 
ceptance of  the  call,  would  have  a  tendency  very  un- 
friendly to  that  infant  church,  if  not  injurious  to  the 
great  cause  of  the  gospel  in  B.  So  far  as  I  have 
light  to  guide  my  judgment,  I  think  the  apostolic  ad- 
vice given  with  reference  to  another  case,  may  be  ap- 
plied to  you  in  this  instance  :  "  Let  every  man  where- 
in he  is  called,  therein  abide  with  God."  But  my  pa- 
per is  filled  :  and  understanding  that  you  expect  to  be 
in  this  city,  in  the  course  of  next  month  ;  I  willingly 
reserve  what  might  be  written,  to  the  expected  oppor- 
tunity of  personal  conversation  with  you,  on  the  several 
subjects,  on  which  you  wish  to  have  communication. 
You  have  no  doubt  heard  of  Dr.  H's  arrival,  a  few  weeks 
ago.  He  has  resumed  his  public  labours,  and  his  re- 
cruited health  and  strength,  seem  to  be  adequate  to 
them.     Mr.  A.  has  also  returned  to  D. 

With  my  best  regards  to  Dr.  and  Mrs.  F.  &c.  I  am, 
affectionately  yours, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 


'28H  LETTERS. 


TO    DR.    F. 

CHARLESTON,    NOVEMBER  9,    1804- 

Mt    DEAR    FRIEND, 

As  you  have  now  come  up  to  the  terms  of 
our  correspondence,  by  favouring  me  with  //iree  letters, 
viz.  under  dates  August  16,  October  17,  and  Novem- 
ber 3.  I  sit  down,  busy  and  lazy  as  I  am,  to  scrawl  a 
page  or  two  to  you,  that  I  may  with  some  sort  of  con- 
science, and  confidence  claim,  in  due  time  and  succes- 
sion, three  more  of  your  friendly  and  good  letters, 
which  T  always  read  with  interest,  and  with  the  lively 
emotions  of  pleasure,  mingled  with  a  little  seasoning  of 
pain,  on  account  of  the  trials  with  which  you  are  exer- 
cised, chiefly  in  regard  to  your  infant  church.  But 
perhaps,  I  ought  to  feel  as  much  satisfaction  in  what 
you  write  about  these  trials,  as  on  subjects  of  a  more 
agreeable  and  pleasing  nature.  For  the  influence  and 
effects  of  them,  upon  your  mind  and  conduct,  seem  to 
be  on  the  whole,  salutary  and  beneficial  ;  and  perhaps, 
more  so,  than  the  comforts  which  are  generally  honor- 
ed with  the  name  of  mercies,  in  contradistinction  from 
afflictions  ;  which,  however,  divinely  sanctified,  and 
wisely  improved,  are  frequently  the  mercies,  for  which 
our  warmest  praise  is  due.  Whatever,  in  short,  serves 
to  bring  ns  out  of  self  and  the  world,  to  draw  us  nearer 
to  our  God  and  Saviour  ;  to  engage  us  to  place  a  more 
unreserved,  humble,  stedfast  trust  in  his  wisdom,  pow- 
er, grace,  truth,  and  promises,  and  to  constrain  us,  to 
cast  all  our  care  upon  him  ;  and  resign  ail  our  wants 


LETTERS.  289 

and  wishes,  our  plans  and  hopes,  to  his  disposal,  in  the 
persuasion  that  he  will  invariably  do  what  is  right  in 
itself,  and  order  the  event  which  is  best  for  us,  and  for 
his  church  :  this  must  be  mercy,  this  must  be  love  di- 
vine, although  sometimes  our  eyes  may  be  so  holden, 
that  we  discern  not  the  friendly  Providence,  under  a 
frowning  aspect.  However,  1  need  not  occupy  much 
of  this  sheet,  and  of  my  present  time,  in  thus  preaching 
to  you  ;  for  the  tenor  of  your  communications,  admon- 
ish me,  that  you  are,  by  that  heavenly  teacher,  God 
the  Spirit,  at  least  as  well,  if  not  much  better  instruct- 
ed, on  such  subjects  than  I  am  myself.  At  the  same 
time,  I  know,  that  both  you  and  myself,  have  great  need 
of  further  improvement  in  spiritual  understanding,  and 
wide  scope  for  rich  and  comfortable  attainments  of 
christian  experience.  May  we,  under  the  teaching  and 
discipline  of  the  word  and  providence  of  God,  accom- 
panied by  the  enlightening,  sanctifying  influences  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  continually  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  In 
proportion  to  this  growth,  in  the  spiritual  life,  will  be  our 
establishment,  our  peace,  our  usefulness,  in  the  stations 
in  which  we  are  placed,  whether  these  be  attended  with 
circumstances  more  or  less  comfortable  or  trying. 

My  dear  Jane  and  myself,  have  shared  the  joys  of 
yourself  and  Mrs.  F.  on  account  of  the  Lord's  good- 
ness and  mercy  to  you  both,  in  making  her  the  living 
mother,  of  such  a  fine  and  promising  daughter.  May 
she,  with  your  sons  and  their  parents,  be  richly  bless- 
ed in  Him,  in  whom  every  blessing  is  treasured  up,  and 
through  whom  all  our  enjoyments  descend  from,  and  alf 
our  hopes  must  ascend  to,  the  God  of  all  grace.     When 

the  Son  of  righteousness,  with  a  small  portion  of  the 
37 


290  LETTERS. 

spleridour  of  his  beams,  dispels  (be  mists  of  sense,  which 
*a  storm  of  adversitj  is  apt   to    produce  ;  your  faith  will 
then  clearlj  see  that  the  sickness   in  your  family,  with 
which   you  have   been   exercised,  and  the  disappoint- 
ment of  your  hopes  from  your  crop,  through  the  depre- 
dations of  the  caterpillar,  and  the  desolating  effects  of 
the  tremendous,  gale,  with  which  our  guilty  country  has 
been  visited,  are  to  be  reckoned  among  your  blessings^ 
no  less  than  your  family  comforts,   and  worldly  pros- 
perity and  enjoyments.     And   as   to  your  particular 
church,  why  should  you  not  be  willing  that  it   should 
have   the  same  lot  with   the   church  generally  in   the 
world:  that  it  should  be  afflicted  and  tried,  and  that  in 
circumstances  which  seem  to  be  all  against  it,  jet  pro- 
tected, supported,  and  favoured  by  its  glorious  Head 
and   Saviour,  it  should  live,   gather  strength,  flourish, 
and  triumph?  Only  believe  ;  and  believing,  faithfully 
attempt  your  duty  :  then  quietly   leave  the  event  with 
the   Lord,  and  it  will  be  such   as    will  be  most  for  his 
glory,  and  for  the  ultimate  benefit  of  his  friends,  in  their 
individual,    and  their  church  capacity.     Should  it  ap- 
pear to  be  the  will  of  God,  that  Mr.  P.  be  removed  to 
another   sphere  of  labour  ;  still  let  it  be  your  motto  ; 
**  The  Lord  will  provide  ;"  and  your  encouragement 
and    consolation,  while  endeavouring  to  be  found  with 
him,  and  waiting  upon  him,  that  he   will  not  leave  nor 
forsake  you.     At  all  events,  persevere,  while  you  have 
a  beam  of  hope  to  cheer  your  spirits,  and  animate  your 
exertions  ;  and  in  the  mean  time,  let  your  temper  and 
language  be,  "  Behold,  here  are  we,  let  the  Lord  do  to 
us,  as  seemeth  good  unto  him.""^ 

*  2  Sam.  XY.  29. 


LETTERS,  291 

Mr.  p.  who  just  called  upon  us  here  in  Charleston, 
last  week,  seems  to  be  as  yet  iindeterrahied,  whether  it 
will  be  his  dutj,  to  remain  with  you,  or  to  remove  to 
Dorchester.  I  hope  that  he  will  be  directed  by  unerring 
wisdom,  to  the  right  conclusion.  And  if  that  conclu- 
sion could  be  formed  within  a  short  time,  it  would  be 
desirable,  as  a  mean  of  settling  his  own  mind,  and  giving 
those  churches  a  greater  freedom  and  decision,  in  pur- 
suing the  measures  suited  to  their  circumstances  and 
prospects. 

I  sincerely  sympathize  with  the  family  and  connex- 
ions of  Mr.  E.  and  also  with  your  infant  church,  on  ac- 
count of  their  afflicting  loss,  sustained  by  his  death. 
But  let  us  be  thankful  for  the  consolatory  hope,  that  he 
has  died  in  the  Lord  ;  and  that  the  Lord  lives  to  pro- 
tect, support,  and  bless  his  friends,  and  the  church,  on 
earth. 

A  visit  to  Beaufort,  if  all  circumstances  could  be 
agreeably  arranged,  would  be  highly  gratifying  to  Jane 
and  myself :  and  we  feel  ourselves  much  obliged  to 
you  and  Mrs.  F.  and  other  friends  around  you,  who 
Lave  so  warmly  expressed  the  desire  to  see  us  among 
them,  and  the  disposition  to  facilitate  our  journey,  and 
to  make  us  feel  so  much  at  home  in  Beaufort.  But  af- 
ter thinking  and  talking  awhile  on  the  subject,  we  could 
not  find  freedom  to  determine,  in  favour  of  this  measure, 
for  the  present  season  ;  and  have  therefore,  for  some 
time,  given  up  every  idea  of  it,  till  a  more  convenient 
season  shall  seem  to  offer ;  *'  A  man's  heart  deviseth 
his  way  :  but  the  Lord  directeih  his  steps."  May  we 
ever  so  acknowledge  the  Lord  in  all  our  ways,  that  we 
may  find  him  graciously  directing  us,  in  the  path  of  du- 
ty and  peace,  in  the  way  of  life  everlasting  I 


29^  LETTERS. 

Having  no  prospect  of  seeing  Beaufort  this  fall  or 
winter;  it  is  with  much  pleasure,  that  we  hear  of  Mrs. 
F.  and  yourself,  &c.  being  expected  in  Charleston,  next 
month.  We  shall  be  happy  in  rvaiting  upon  you  hotk; 
i.e.  according  to  (he  New  England  sense  of  that  phrase, 
al  our  own  house  ;  where  we  hope  to  be  favoured  with 
as  much  of  your  company,  as  it  will  be  convenient  and 
agreeable  to  yourselves,  to  allow  us. 

The  news  of  the  city,  &c.  I  suppose  you  receive, 
by  the  public  prints,  and  by  other  correspondents  than 
myself;  to  which  accordingly,  I  refer  you,  and  thus 
save  myself  and  you,  the  trouble  of  extending  this  te- 
dious scrawl.  I  think  it  may,  as  to  quantity,  be  consid- 
ered as  nearly  an  equivalent,  to  three  folio,  and  seven  and 
an  half  quarto  pages,  received  in  the  three  letters  from 
you,  to  which  it  is  to  serve  as  an  answer.  Thus  I  am 
in  a  degree  relieved  from  an  oppressive  sense  of  obliga- 
tion, for  favours,  which  otherwise  might  seem  to  be  not 
duly  acknowledged,  or  f.illy  reciprocated  :  and  now  I 
hope  you  will  not  think  any  more  of  altering  the  stipu- 
lated terms  of  our  correspondence,  viz.  three  for  one  ; 
nor  feel  it  a  burden  to  fulfil  a  task,  which  is  only  on  your 
part,  the  discharge  of  a  reasonable  duty,  and  which  on 
my  part,  highly  gratifies,  at  once,  my  friendship  and  in- 
dolence, neither  of  which  has  in  any  degree  decreased, 
since  our  correspondence  commenced. 

ISAAC  S.  KEITK. 


LETTERS.  293 


TO    REV.    MR.    P. 

CHARLESTON,    SEPT.  17,  18Q5. 

BEAR    SIR, 

When  I  received  yourfavour  of  July  8th,  I  was 
disposed,  and  almost  resolved,  to  answer  it  by  the  re- 
turn of  the  conveyance  which  brought  it  to  me.  I  do 
not  now  distinctly  recollect  the  circumstances,  or  the 
considerations  which  prevented  my  good  intention  being 
carried  into  execution.  But  I  suppose  that  they  were 
such  as  appeared  sufficient,  to  one  that  is  too  lazy,  if  not 
too  good  natured,  to  examine  very  strictly  and  severely, 
the  reasons  which  are  allowed  to  restrain  him  from  doing 
the  good  which  he  would,  in  cases  that  are  not  suppos- 
ed to  be  of  the  first  importance  or  obligation.  And  as 
the  heart  of  one  lazy  mortal,  answers  to  that  ofanoth" 
er,  as  well  as  the  reflecting  image  of  a  face  in  a  glass 
does  to  its  original,  I  suspect,  that  while  you  may  be 
ready  enough  to  complain  of  my  negligence,  and  to 
make  a  cloak  of  it  for  covering  your  own,  you  are  se- 
cretly glad  that  I  did  not  write  so  soon  as  I  intended  ; 
because  you  have  in  the  mean  time,  felt  yourself  out  of 
my  debt,  and  consequently  relieved  from  those  pecu- 
liarly unpleasant  sensations  and  reflections,  which  must 
frequently  disquiet  those,  who  have  some  conscience, 
connected  with  much  indolence,  and  would  therefore, 
rather  forego  a  pleasure,  than  submit  to  the  labour  and 
trouble  of  repaying  it.  If  I  am  wrong  in  thus  suspect- 
ing you,  you  will  feel  yourself  bound  to  set  me  right, 
by   improving  an  early  opportunity  for  sending  me  ^ 


294  LETTER?. 

long  letter,  and  shewing  how  much  more  forward  and 
punctual  a  correspondent  you  are,  than  I  take  you 
to  be. 

Your  detention,  on  board  the  packet,  during  the 
sabbath,  on  your  return  to  Beaufort,  must  have  been 
a  trial  to  your  feelings.  But  sometimes  a  suspension 
from  our  work  in  the  season,  or  in  the  place,  in  which 
we  would  be  employed,  may  be  useful  as  a  correction, 
for  former  remissness  in  it,  and  as  a  stimulus  to  increas- 
ed fidelity,  diligence  and  zeal  in  future.  And  whatever 
trial,  serves  to  call  into  exercise,  and  so  to  manifest  and 
strengthen  f^ith,  patience,  submission,  with  other  dis- 
positions of  the  christian  temper,  is  doubtless  beneficial 
and  desirable.  I  hope  that  you  have  been  favoured 
with  the  continued  enjoyment  of  your  health,  through 
the  summer ;  and  that,  as  your  congregation  is  larger 
in  the  summer  season,  you  have  laboured  with  more 
extensive  success,  in  your  enlarged  sphere  of  action 
and  usefulness.  If  so,  it  may  not  be  necessary  that  you 
should  clearly  see  all  the  desirable  fruits  of  your  la- 
bours. Then  perhaps,  "pride  might  rise  and  swell," 
as  if  you  were  somewhat,  and  could  do  something. 
Whereas,  according  to  the  observation  of  a  pious  and 
worthy  divine :  "  So  much  humility,  so  much  grace 
have  we  :"  and  undoubtedly  in  the  degree  in  which  we 
can  say  from  the  heart,  Not  I,  but  the  grace  of  God 
with  me  ;  so  much  better  are  we  prepared  for  honor, 
success,  and  acceptance. 

The  information  which  you  have  given  me  of  Col. 
B's  christian  charity,  zeal,  and  commendable  labours, 
in  the  great  cause  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  serves  to 
confirm  the  favourable  opinion,  which  I  had  formed  of 
him,  and  to  increase  my  esteem  and  regards,  which  he 


LETTERS.  295 

had  conciliated,  as  a  man  of  superior  talents,  and  as  a 
worthy  disciple  of  the  most  honorable,  and  the  best  of 
Masters.  I  trust  that  he  will  never  be  ashamed  of  his 
Lord  and  Saviour,  or  of  his  gospel ;  but  that  he  will, 
wi(h  his  increasing  knowledge  and  experience,  more 
and  more  glory  in  the  cross  of  Christ  ;  and  sure  I  am, 
that  he  will  never  repent  of  any  worldly  honors  or 
interests  which  he  has  renounced,  of  any  self  denial 
which  he  has  exercised,  or  any  labours  of  love  which 
he  has  performed,  or  christian  principles,  with  a  view 
to  the  glory  of  God,  the  best  interests  of  his  fellow  men, 
and  the  final  salvation,  and  everlasting  happiness  of  his 
own  soul.  Oh  that  we  had  thousands  more  added  to 
our  churches,  like  minded  and  qualified  by  natural 
powers,  by  education,  by  rank  and  influence  in  socie- 
ty, and  by  grace  to  support  and  promote,  the  most  im^ 
porlant  and  the  best  of  causes  ;  the  cause  for  which 
the  Son  of  God  laboured,  suffered  and  died  on  earth, 
and  for  which  he  is  continually  employing  all  the  hon- 
ors and  powers  to  which  he  is  exalted  on  his  mediato- 
rial throne  in  heaven.  But,  for  our  consolation,  it  be- 
comes us  to  remember,  that  whether  the  wise,  the 
learned,  the  rich  and  the  great,  approve  or  condemn, 
assist  or  oppose,  this  cause  will  be  maintained,  and  will 
prosper  and  triumph.  Alas  !  that  in  any  place  where 
it  has  been  at  any  time  successful,  it  should  ever  again 
decline  !  But  so  it  has  been,  among  others,  so  it  seems 
to  be  in  some  degree  among  you ;  and  so  it  is,  per- 
haps, more  manifestly  and  lamentably  among  us  :  in 
consequence  of  human  infirmity,  of  satanic  subtlety 
and  malice,  and  of  the  corrupting,  pernicious  influence  of 
worldly  things.  May  the  Lord  have  mercy  upon  Zion, 
revive  his  work,  and  display  his  glory,  in  every  part  of 


296  LETTERS. 

if,  and  hasten  the  time  when  it  shall  be  established,  and 
become  a  praise  in  all  the  earth  ! 

With  love  to  all  friends  around  jou,  we  are  sincerly 
yours*     Adieu,  affectionately, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 


f^:^i 


TO    DR.    t, 

CHARLESTON,    DECEMBER  S,  1805y 
Mr    DEAR    FRIEND, 

JL  ou  deserve  credit  for  your  attention 
lo,  and  knowledge  of,  the  human  frame,  corporeal  and 
mental.  If  I  mistake  not,  for  I  am  very  ignorant  re- 
specting the  arts  and  mysteries  of  the  medical  profes- 
moiii  it  is  the  practice  of  the  faculty,  sometimes  to 
cure  one  disease,  by  inducing,  or  stimulating  another, 
not  reckoned  so  dangerous.  So  you,  having  discover- 
ed that  an  indolent  habit,  is  one  of  my  moral  maladies, 
that  has  assumed  a  menacing  aspect,  have  with  admira- 
ble art  and  skill,  applied  that  wonderfully  penetrating, 
and  stimulating  oil  of  flattery,  to  another  morbid  prin- 
ciple in  my  9>ys\em,  my  vanity :  wisely  judging,  that 
if  this  can  be  sufficiently  excited,  the  other  will  be  ab- 
sorbed, and  lost  in  this,  and  that  this  also  may  ere  long^ 
spend  itself  by  its  oivn  natural  evaporation.  Let  ttiese 
learned  observations  be  considered  as  designed,  if  they 
are  not  so  well  adapted  as  jou  might  wish  them,  to 
convey  an  ingenious  compliment  to  you,  in  return  for 
Ihe  very  genteel  and  handsome  compliment  to  myself, 
which  fills  the  first  paragraph  of  your  last  letter  to  me, 
tinder  date  the  2rth  ult. 


LBTTSRS.  29r 

Now  let  me  go  on  with  the  plain  careless  langnage, 
'which  best  suits  a  dull  and  lazy  creature,  to  whom 
invention  and  the  labour  of  polishing,  are  exercises  too 
burden  ^ome  and  oppressive,  to  be  long  submitted  to. 

With  you,  I  wish,  that  by  some  means  or  other,  eith- 
er by  our  own  resources,  or  some  funds  of  sacred   and 
pious   destination,   both  you  and  myself,   could   obtain 
abundantly   larger    supplies    of  those    excellent    little 
pamphlets,  to  which  you  refer,   for  charitable  distribu- 
tion.    I  think,   that  to  many  of   those    to    whom   they 
may   be   handed,   they  are  well    adapted    to  be    useful, 
and  in  many  cases,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  that  they  are  pro- 
ductive of  good  effects,  far   surpassing  their  pecuniary 
Talue.     In  this  way,  as  well  as    in   many  others,  I  per- 
suade myself,  thai  I  would  do  more  eood,  than  I  do,  or 
than  I  well  can.     Sorne  people,  I  believe,  suppose  my 
means  to  be  much  more  ample  than  they  are.     For  the 
worldly  possessions,  with  which  I  am  intrusted,   I   de- 
sire to  be  fervently  thankful  to  a  most   kind  and  boun- 
tiful   Providence  ;  and   to   the  glory  of  the  giver,  the 
great    Lord  of  all,   I    would    willingly   improve    them. 
With  respect    to  provisions   and   accommodations  of  a 
personal    and  doniestic  nature;  I   do   not  allow  myself 
to    indulge  in  expenditures,  which  would   in\olve    the 
reality,  or  the   appearance   of  luxury  or  extravagance. 
And  yet,  for  a  number  of  years  past,  the  whole  of  my 
income,  and  sometimes,  more,  has  been  expended.     If 
any  of  it  has  been  employed   to  the  purpose  of  doing 
good  :  that  portion  of  it,  I  consider  as  the  best  improv- 
ed and  enjoyed  ;  and  not  unto    me,    but  unto  the  God 
of  all  grace,  from  whom  cometh   down  every  good  gift, 
who  furnishes  the  means,  and  forms   the  disposition  for 

usefulness,  be  all  the  praise  and  glory. 
38 


298  LETTERS. 

While  I  lament  with  you,  the  truly  deplorable   state 
of  religion,  in  and  about  Boston,  &c.  it  is  pleasing  to  find 
oar  common    worthy  friend,   Dr.  M.  so  nobly    con- 
fending  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints,  in  his 
performance  called,  "True  reasons  ;"  and  I  have  been 
niuch  gratified  with  the  perusal  of  four  numbers  of  the 
jieriodical  work,  entitled  the  Panoplist,  &:c.  in  which,  he 
110  doubt  tabes    an    active,   and   important  part,  with  a 
number  of  able  and   zealous   co-adjntors.     I  wish  this 
work  could   be  extensively  circulated  among  us.     But 
alas  !  for  want  of  un  agent,   qualified,    and  willing,  and 
having  time,  &c.  for  obtaining  subscriptions,  delivering 
the  pamphlets,   and  collecting  the    money,  &c.    I  fear 
that   they  will  be  seen   and    read   here  by  only  a  very 
few    persons.     I    mean  to    write   to   Dr.   M.  shortly, 
if  Providence  permit  ;  and  I  mean  to  order  some  more 
of  the  best  small  tracts,  &c.   on  my  own  account,  for 
charitable  distribution  ;  and  when  received,  perhaps  I 
may  send  you  a  few  of  them.     You  and  I,  as  I  think,  if 
"we  were  together,  would    in    many  cases  and  respects, 
harmonize   in    counsels  and  measures,  for  doing  good  : 
though  perhaps,  as  my  passions  may  be  a  little  cooled 
by  the  chilling  hand  of  time,  I  might  not  be  found  will- 
ing to  go  as  far  as  your   fervor  would    carry  you,  in 
combating  the  mistaken  zeal  of  some   people,  who  pro- 
fess to  be,   and  some   of  whom,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  are 
really  serving  the  same  great   and  all  important  cause, 
in  which,  as  we  hope,  we  ourselves  are  engaged.     I  am 
glad  to  hear  that  Mrs*  B.  has  found  so  much  satisfaction, 
in  the  "  Friendly  visit  to  the  house  of  mourning  J  ^  Af- 
ter perusing  that  excellent  piece,   nothing  that  I  could 
write,  would  be  worthy  of  her  attention.     But  the  best 
writings,  or  discourses  of  men,  and  indeed,  the  letter  of 


LETTERS.  299 

the  word  of  God  Itself,  -r  iil  not  prove  effectual  to  com* 
fort  those  that  mourn,  unless  accompanied  by  the  en- 
lightening, sanctifying,  strengthening,  and  consoling 
agency  of  the  Spirit  of  grace.  This  I  doubt  not  our 
worthy  friend  has  in  some  desirable  degree,  experienc- 
ed ;  and  she  will,  I  trusf,  experience  more  and  more  of 
that  heavenly  peace,  in  the  midst  of  worldly  sorrows, 
and  spiritual  troubles,  which  God  the  Saviour,  alone 
can  bestow.  Believing,  and  trusting,  and  hoping  in 
him,  with  submission  to  his  sovereign,  holy,  and  bles- 
sed will,  the  soul  finds  its  proper  rest  ;  which  it  will  in 
vain  seek  and  expect,  in  creature  comforts,  and  world- 
ly joys.  And  when  our  most  pleasing  hopes  from  the 
creature,  are  blasted,  and  all  the  brightest  scenes  of 
worldly  joy,  are  overcast  with  clouds  of  the  deepest 
darkness  ;  still  happy,  unspeakably,  are  they,  who,  with 
the  prophet,  can  say,  "  Yet  will  1  rejoice  in  the  Lord, 
and  joy  in  the  God  of  my  salvation  !"^  Lord,  increase 
our  faith,  that,  in  every  hour  of  painful  trial,  this  may 
be  our  real,  our  sweet  experience. 

And  have  you,  my  friend,  at  length,  got  down  from 
the  mount  of  comfort  and  triumph,  into  the  valley  of 
humiliation,  and  doubt,  and  fear  ?  Very  well  !  When 
you  are  there  properly  humbled,  you  will  be  more  highly 
exalted  than  ever  before  ;  or  at  least,  more  comfortably 
established  in  the  persuasion,  and  the  experience,  that 
you  are  nothing,  and  that  Christ  is  All.  A  christian, 
always  rejoicing  and  triumphing,  free  from  all  anxiety 
and  apprehension,  about  the  stale  of  his  soul,  or  his  title 
to  glory,  has  probably,  either  some  extraordinary  labours 
to  undergo,  or  peculiar  sufferings  and  trials  to  endure,  on 

•  Habfck.  iii.  17,  18. 


300  LETTERS. 

earth  ;  or  i«!  probaMy,  very  near  to  that  rest  which  re* 
maineth  to  the  people  of  God,  in  the  heavenly  state. 
Yet,  it  is  a  most  desirable  thing,  to  have  our  calling  and 
election,  to  eternal  life,  made  sure  to  our  own  souls. 
For  this,  let  us  gi\e  all  diligence  ;  and  may  the  Lord 
add  his  blessing,  which  alone  can  give  a  successful  and 
comfortable  event  to  the  means,  and  endeavours,  which 
we  are  required  to  use.  If  I  have  any  well  founded 
claim,  to  the  character  of  a  christian,  and  to  the  hope 
of  Heaven,  I  am  surely  one  of  the  meanest,  and  most 
unworthy  of  the  number  of  those  who  are  so  highly 
privileged ;  and  if  I  am  finally  saved,  it  must  be  as 
through  fire.  Oh  what  a  debt  of  gratitude  shall  I  owe 
for  ever,  to  his  grace  and  power,  and  how  sweet  and  an- 
imated will  be  my  song  of  praise,  to  the  adorable  au- 
thor of  my  being  and  rede  option,  and  of  all  my  mer- 
cies, through  all  the  periods  of  a  blessed  and  glorious 
immorlality  I  ! 

JMrs.  K.  joins  me  in  very  affectionate  regards  to  Mrs. 
F.  and  yourself,  and  in  sincere  prayers  for  her. 
Yours,  very  affectionately, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 

TO  DR.  F. 

CHARLESTON,    FEBRUARY    15,    1806. 

MY    DEAR   FRIEND, 

1  HE  newspapers  of  this  morninoT, 
having  announced  the  arrival  again  of  Bythewood,  re- 
minding me  again,  after  having  reminded  me,  I  believe, 
more  than  once  before,  that  I  still  remained  in  debt  to 
you,  for  your  long,  and  very  good  letter,  under  date 


LBTTERS.  201 

the  81  sf  December,  ullimo  ;  which,  however,  was  a 
cousiderabie  tune  on  its  way  to  me:  so  that,  1  believe, 
that  it  is  not  yet  much  more  than  a  month  since  I  re- 
ceived it.  Apologies  of  the  saine  tenor,  if  not  of  the 
same  date, for  my  apparent  negligence,  I  could  easily  of- 
fer; but  even  for  that  I  have  not  now  time  ;  and,  there- 
fore, let  it  now  suffice  to  remind  you  of  any  (brmer  pro- 
posed terms  of  correspondence  with  you  ;  to  which 
you,  if  not  with  the  free  and  full  consent  of  your  mind, 
yet  at  least  by  your  frequent  practice,  have  testified 
your  approbation,  or  your  toleration. 

I  feel  very  much  gratified,  and  I  desire  to  be  very- 
thankful,  that  you  took  in  such  good  part,  the  hints 
which  I  presumed  to  suggest,  on  a  subjett,  on  which 
your  church  and  your  pastor,  were  mutually  interested. 
If  I  know  my  own  heart,  I  cordially  esteem  and  love 
both  the  parties  in  this  case;  and  would  most  earnestly 
wish,  that  the  interests  and  the  conveniencies  of  both, 
might  be  so  arranged  and  accommodated,  as  to  be  pro- 
moted, in  the  most  perfect  harmony,  and  to  entire  mu- 
tual satisfaction.  What  you  say,  by  way  of  apology, 
for,  and  in  favour  of,  the  church,  1  forcibly  feel ;  and 
having  in  like  manner  felt  for  its  pastor,  I  now  feel  with 
peculiar  satisfaction,  the  consoling  considerations  sug- 
gested in  your  letter,  which  authorize  the  pleasing  hope^ 
that  the  parlies  concerned,  who  have  had  occasion  for 
bearing  with  each  other,  may  soon  find  their  respective 
difficulties  and  apprehensions  removed  ;  and  their  mu- 
tual services  to,  and  comforts  in,  each  other,  much  in- 
creased and  happily  prolonged.  As  I  only  snatch  a 
few  fugitive  minutes  from  the  studies  of  Saturday,  for 
scrawling  this,  I  cannot  now  do  what  is  in  my  heart,  if 
I  had  leisure;  but  1  can  only,  at  present,  commend  you 
respectively,  to  the  instruction,  direction,  keeping  and 


302 


LETTERS. 


blessing,  of  our  comrnon  Lord  and  Saviour,  friend  and 
benefactor.  May  he  bless  you  all,  and  make  you  both, 
present  and  everlasting  blessings  to  each  other  ! 

I  am  often  tempted  to  wish  that  I  were  as  rich  as 
Croesus  ;  as  I  think,  that  I  would  then  relieve  your 
church, and  all  my  friends  from  all  their  difficulties,  F.ris- 
ing  from  their  want  of  pecuniary  resources.  But  I 
know  who  He  is,  that  has  the  riches  of  heaven  and 
earth  at  his  disposal,  and  at  the  same  time,  loves  his 
church  and  his  people,  individually,  infinitely  better 
than  I  do;  and  yet,  for  wise  and  good  purposes,  some- 
times places  them  in  straitened  and  embarrassing  cir- 
cumstances, and  leaves  them  for  a  while,  to  pray  and 
wait  in  faith  and  hope,  before  he  gives  them  the  desires 
of  their  hearts,  or  shews  them,  in  all  the  desired  evi- 
dences and  fruits,  the  favour  and  love  which  he  cherish- 
es for  them.  He  doth  all  things  well :  and  all  his  dis- 
pensations towards  your  church  are,  as  I  trust,  design- 
ed, and  will  be  ultimately  found,  ordered  and  sanctifi- 
ed, to  work  most  effectually  for  the  good  of  those  who 
belong  to  it,  and  who  sincerely  seek  its  good.  With 
respect  to  what  you  say  of  the  plan  which  yourself,  and 
some  of  your  friends  have  thought  of,  for  serving  the 
church  by  the  purchase  of  lottery  tickets,  I  can  now 
only,  in  a  general  way,  observe,  that  if  the  design  of  a 
lottery  can  ever  be  justified,  or  excused,  it  must  be 
when  the  object  is  evidently  an  important  good.  Yet 
how  far  such  a  good  may  be  attempted  to  be  accom- 
plished by  such  means,  may  still  be  questioned.  It  is  a 
subject,  however,  on  which  wise  and  good  men  have  dif- 
fered. And  what  shall  I  venture  to  say,  more  than  let 
him,  that  ventures  in  this  business,  take  heed  that  he 
acknowledge  God  in  all  his  ways,  and  that  his  glory  be 
the  great  end  at  which  he  aims,  and  that  he  be  so  well 


LETTERS.  303 

persuaded,  in  his  own  mind,  as  that  he  shall  not  con- 
demn himself,  for  the  thing  which  he  does. 

We  have  had  in  our  family,  since  the  beginning  of 
the  present  year,  the  deeply  afflicted  widow  of  a  cler- 
gyman, the  Rev.  J.  W.  of  Connecticut ;  who,  in  pursuit 
of  health,  was  coming  on  to  the  southward,  but  died  on 
the  passage  from  Norfolk  to  this  city.  Mr.  W.  ap- 
pears to  have  been  a  very  pious,  zealous,  active,  and 
useful  minister  of  the  gospel ;  and  Mrs.  W.  has  exhibit- 
ed the  most  satisfactory  evidences  of  sincere  piety,  and 
of  strong  faith  ;  as  well  as  of  the  most  affectionate  at- 
tachment, to  her  late  excellent  husband.  She  supports, 
indeed,  a  truly  worthy  and  amiable  character  :  and  as 
she  has  consented  to  stay  with  us,  as  one  of  our  family, 
till  the  weather  in  the  spring,  or  beginning  of  summer, 
shall  promise  a  safe,  speedy,  and  comfortable  passage, 
by  water,  to  her  four  young  children,  and  other  friends : 
we  cannot  but  consider  her  company,  during  these  few 
months,  as  a  most  desirable  acquisition  to  the  society  of 
our  small  family. 

Your  cordial  friend, 

ISAAC    S,    KEITH. 

TO    DR.    F. 

CHARLESTON,  APRIL   5,  180G. 
MY    DEAR    FRIEND, 

l^APT.  L.  delivered  some  few  days  ago, 
your  favour  of  March  29th ;  for  which  I  return  you  my 
sincere  thanks ;  and  by  which  T  ought  to  be  humbled, 
quickened  and  improved.  If  I  am  not  thus  benefitted 
by  it,  the  fault  will  not  be  in  your  letter,  but  in  my  own 


/ 
304  LETTERS. 

heart ;  which  alas  !  under  the  best  means  of  culture,  is 
often  found  as  hard  as  the  beaten  high  way,  and  as  un- 
piodnclive,  as  (he  thorny  ground.  Oh  !  that  it  were 
more  tenderly  impressed,  and  suitably  affected,  by  the 
expressions  and  evidences,  of  an  higher  degree  of  life 
and  fervor  in  the  hearts  of  my  christian  friends  ;  and 
that  it  may  be  effectually  softened  and  fertilized, 
by  the  dew  of  heavenly  grace,  the  influences  of  the 
spirit  of  grace,  descending  upon  it,  in  rich  supplies,  ac- 
cording to  its  pressing  wants  !  As  you  feel  for  your 
dear  children,  J  think  I  have  often  felt  for  the  souls  of 
my  dear  pastoral  charge,  over  whom  I  ara  called  to 
watch,  as  one  that  must  give  an  account  ;  and  for  whom 
it  becomes  me  to  cherish  the  most  tender  solicitude, 
that  I  may  give  up  my  account  of  my  ministry  among 
them,  not  with  grief,  but  with  joy.  But  ah!  in  how 
small  a  degree  do  my  warmest  feelings  correspond  with 
the  unspeakable  importance  of  the  trust,  committed  to 
me  :  how  soon  are  those  feelings  checked  and  cooled, 
if  not  dissipated  and  lost,  by  a  thousand  vanities  and 
little  objects  of  earth  and  tinie,  which  are  scarcely 
worthy  of  a  moments  attention,  or  a  serious  thought  : 
and  when  they  have  their  greatest  influence,  how  fee- 
ble are  the  exertions  to  which  they  prompt,  how  small 
the  good  effects  which  they  produce  !  Who  ?  Oh 
who,  is  sufficient  for  these  things?  What  a  consola- 
tion, that  the  humbled  and  the  penitent,  may  in  faith, 
come  to  a  throne  of  grace,  and  to  the  God  of  all 
grace,  by  Jesus  Christ,  and  hope  to  find  mercy,  and 
obtain  grace  in  every  time  of  need,  and  according 
to  all  their  necessities  !  May  you  and  I  more  and 
more  feel,  how  empty  and  how  poor  we  are ;  and 
find  all  our  need,  more  and  more  abundantly  sup- 
plied, according  to  the  glorious  riches  of  the  grace  of 


LETTERS.  305 

God  in   his  beloved  Son,  and  from   that  fulness,  which 
dwells  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  ! 

For  a  week  past,  Ave  have  had  the  Rev.  Mr.  B.  of 
Tennessee,  in  our  city.  A  leading  object  of  his  visit, 
is  to  collect  money  for  carrying  on  the  benevolent  de- 
sign in  which  he  has  been  for  some  time  deeply  engag- 
ed, of  educating  the  children  of  the  Indians,  of  the 
Cherokee  nation,  and  of  civilizing  and  evangelizing, 
those  poor  savages.  On  the  same  errand,  he  took  Sa- 
vannah on  his  way,  where  he  met  with  very  considerable 
success.  Before  he  leaves  us,  which  he  expects  will 
be  in  the  course  of  next  week,  I  hope  he  will  be  so  far 
successful  as  to  make  it  worth  his  while  to  have  called 
upon  us  ;  though  he  will  probably  receive  much  less 
aid  from  us  than  he  would  have  done  at  some  seasons, 
and  in  circumstances  different  from  the  present.  The 
times  are  now  hard,  irom  the  uncertainty  of  the  state 
of  things  in  Europe,  and  the  stagnation  of  the  wales  of 
cotton,  &c.  here  ;  je{  we  have  to  shew  away  in  all  the 
dissipating  scenes  of  vanity  and  indulgences  of  luxury, 
at  an  undiminished  expense:  while  the  calls  of  private, 
and  public  charity,  are  daily  pressing  upon  us.  Just 
before  Mr.  B.  came  among  us.  Dr.  F.  and  myself,  in 
compliance  with  the  earnest  request  and  recommenda- 
tion of  the  clergy  of  Philadelphia,  had  undertaken  to 
collect  what  we  could  for  the  purpose  of  assisting  in  the 
accomplishment  of  that  noble  object  of  chariiy,  the 
translation  of  the  scripttires  into  the  languages  of  In- 
dia ;  an  account  of  which  you  have  no  doubt  seen  in 
our  newspapers  ;  and  we  had  received  several  hun- 
dred dollars.  Some  additional  contributions  we  might 
have  received ;  but   a  considerable  part  of  what   we 


306  LETTERS. 

might  have  expected,  will  now,  probably,  be  given  t^ 
Mr.  B.  and  much  good  may  he  do  with  it ! 

I  was  speaking  of  Mr.  B.  and  the  object  of  his  visit. 
He  expects  to  leave  town  on  Saturday  for  Dorchester, 
and  on  his  way  back  to  Tennessee.  While  in  our  city, 
he  has  been  instant  in  season,  and  out  of  season,  not  on- 
ly in  receiving  the  free  gifts  of  the  benevolent  and  gen- 
erous, and  the  forced  contributions  of  the  selfish  and  the 
stingy,  but  in  preaching  the  gospel  to  the  white  and 
the  black,  the  free  and  the  bond,  the  old  and  the 
young,  the  rich  and  tbe  poor,  the  Independent  Con- 
gregationalists,  the  Scotish  Presbyterians,  the  Orphan' 
House,  congregation  of  all  religions,  and  noth' 
ingarian  -principles,  the  Episcopal  Methodists,  ^he 
Antipoedobaptists,  &c.  &c.  &c.  He  appears  to  be  a 
truly  pious  and  very  zealous  man,  and  so  far  from  spar- 
ing himself,  he  seems  to  be  determined  to  spend  and 
he  spent,  in  the  work  and  service  of  the  Lord,  and  for 
the  salvation  of  precious  immortal  souls.  His  preach- 
ing is  on  the  extempore  form,  and  very  much  in  the  man- 
ner of  the  Methodists,  His  delivery  h  fervent  indeed, 
I  may  say,  vehement ;  and  though  his  discourses  reach 
from  an  hour  and  ten  minutes,  to  an  hour  and  iwQuij 
minutes,  Sec.  yet  after  a  few  introductory  sentences,  his 
words  flow  with  a  rapidity,  far  surpassing  what  I  have 
ever  witnessed  in  any  public  speaker,  and  of  which 
they  who  have  not  heard  him,  might  form  perhaps  a 
tolerably  just  idea,  if  they  have  ever  seen  and  heard 
the  falls  of  Niagara.  In  the  course  of  this  torrent  of 
eloquence,  many  expressions  occur,  marked  with  pa- 
thos and  energy,  and  conveying  ideas  highly  sublime, 
and  deeply  interesting  and  impressive  ;  but  they  pass 
so  quickly,  that  the  mind  is  left  to  regret,  that  it  is  not 
allowed  more  time  to  perceive  their  beauty,  and  fee! 


LETTERS,  30i 

tlieir  force.  I  wish  that  he  and  our  worthy,  good 
friend,  (I  shall  not  now  name  him,  but  you  know  him, 
and  I  believe  we  both  esteem  him  as  one  of  the  most 
<3eserving,  and  modest,  and  difl5dent  of  the  young  cler- 
gymen of  our  acquaincance,)  could  meet,  on  middle 
ground,  and  there  settle  their  wide  differences,  about 
pauses,  and  resting  places,  in  the  course  of  a  sermon. 
But  I  suppose  that  if  Mr.  B.  were  to  attempt,  to  rein  in 
his  imagination,  his  feelings,  and  his  utterance,  he  would 
be  in  danger  of  making  a  baulk,  or  of  turning  entirely 
out  of  his  way  ;  and  1  suppose  that  the  greater  nurrsber 
of  those  to  whom  he  generally  preaches,  and  among 
whom  he  appears  to  have  been  eminently  useful,  would 
not  be  gratified  by  any  change  in  this  respect,  which 
in  their  view,  might  seem  to  be  indicative  of  a  declen- 
sion of  life  and  fervor  1  On  the  whole,  I  cannot  but 
view  him,  as  one  of  the  best  qualified,  that  1  have  yet 
mei  with,  for  sustaining  the  character,  and  fulfilling  the 
duties  of  a  missionary,  in  those  spheres,  where  the 
labours  of  missionaries  are  chiefly  employed.  It^is  how- 
ever, but  a  part  of  his  time,  that  he  employs  in  mis- 
sionary services  ;  for  he  has  the  charge  of  two  Con- 
gregations, in  Tennessee,  bordering  on  the  Cherokee 
nation  :  while  he  has  been  instrutnental  in  collecting, 
and  organizing  several  other  churches  in  that  country. 
His  health  has  already  been  greatly  impaired  by  his 
exertions,  and  exposures,  insomuch,  that  at  the  age  of 
33,  he  looks  like  a  man  of  45  :  and  if  his  labours,  &c.  are 
continued,  as  heretofore,  his  constitution  must,  erelong, 
sink  under  the  pressure.  But  he  seems  to  think  that  a 
man  may  do  as  much  work  in  afeiv  years,  as  he  might  do 
in  many  ;  and  that  if  he  accomplishes  the  work,  which 
his  Master  has  given  hira  to  do,  it  is  no  matter  how  soon 
he  finishes   it,   and  goes  to  his  rest.     So  much  for  the 


308  LETTERS. 

master  :  I  must  not  now  aliow  myself,  to  omit  mention- 
ing his  servant,  John  :  a  young  black  man,  who  is  aU 
so  a  preacher  ;  and  who  has  been  preaching  e\  ery  day, 
and  soiietimes  more  than  once  in  the  day,  to  numbers 
of  his  colour  here;  among  whom  there  are  promising 
appearances  of  his  doing  much  good.  I  invited  him  to 
address  the  black  people,  who  usually  assemble  at  my 
house,  at  morning  prayer,  and  in  great  numbers  on  Sab- 
bath mornings.  He  accordingly  did  so,  yesterday, 
(Sunday)  morning  ;  and  as  notice  had  been  communi- 
cated, before  hand,  a  great  crowd  attended  ;  to  whom 
he  spoke  on  the  subject  of  the  ivedding  garment ,  it  be- 
ing Sacramental  Sabbath,  in  a  manner,  very  solemn 
and  impressive.  His  language  was  generally  good, 
and  correct  ;  his  pronunciation  scarcely  marked  with 
any  peculiarily,  such  as  might  be  expected,  in  one  of 
Lis  colour  and  station,  and  his  voice  remarkably  clear, 
strong,  and  pleasant.  His  discourse,  though  not  strict- 
ly methodical,  or  connected,  w^as  well  adapted  to  his 
audience,  and  contained  important  doctrines  and  senti- 
ments, delivered  with  earnestness  and  propriety.  It 
attracted  great  attention,  and  seemed  to  reach  the 
hearts  of  many.  He  makes  an  excellent  prayer  ;  and 
sings  admirably  well.  In  short,  he  appears  to  be  a 
very  sensible,  well  informed,  modest,  pious,  zealous 
christian  ;  and  well  qualified,  to  be  the  minister  of 
much  good,  to  many,  and  especially,  to  those  of  his 
own  colour.  He  at  present  belongs  to  Mr.  B.  who  has 
the  highest  opinion  of  his  character,  in  every  point  of 
view  ;  and  who,  with  the  assistance  of  some  friends, 
purchased  him,  for  upwards  of  five  hundred  dollars, 
with  a  view  of  giving  him  shortly,  his  freedom.  His  form- 
er owner  would  not  have  parted  with  him,  for  double  the 
above  sum  ;  if  it  had  not  been,  with  this  view,  to  his  ul- 


LETTERS.  309 

fimafe  freeclora,  &c.  Our  amiable  and  dear  friend, 
MiS.  W.  who  is  si  III  whh  us,  when  she  saw  the  nmlti' 
lude  of  black  people  collected^  and  fheir  black  brother 
rise  up  for  the  purpose  of  preaching  to  them,  the  gos- 
pel of  Christ,  our  common  Lord  and  Saviour,  one  of 
the  glories  of  which  is,  that  it  is  preached  to  the  poor, 
could  not  suppress  the  tears  of  sensibility  and  joj  ; 
and  was  much  affected  and  gratified,  hy  the  whole  of 
the  services,  and  by  all  the  circumstances  of  the  occa- 
sion, so  solemn  and  so  interestinii;,  and  to  her,  so  new, 
and  uncommon.  He  is  to  address  i he  black  people 
again  at  aij  iiouse  torucrrow.  Does  not  this  look  like 
"  Eihiopia,  stretching  out  her  hands  to  God  ;"  and 
welcoming  the  dixine  Mei.siah,  the  desire  of  all  na- 
tions? "Let  the  whole  earth  be  speedily  filled  with 
his  glory.     Auien  !  and  Ariien  !" 

A  church  weeiing.  is  to  lake  place  in  our  new  circu- 
lar building,  on  Meeting  Street,  this  day  wetk,  viz. 
Monday  the  t4th  insl.  When,  I  suppose,  the  day  for 
opening  that  church,  for  public  worship,  will  be  ap- 
pointed, of  which  you  will  receive  due  notice  ;  that  if 
convenient,  Mrs.  F.  and  yourself,  may  be  present  on 
that  occasion. 

Capt.  Lawrence,  intinjates  that  Mr.  P.  may  be  ex- 
pected here,  by  By Ihewood,  next  trip.  We  have 
still,  house  and  hearl-room  for  him,  and  will  be  clad  to 
see  him,  on  many  accounts  ;  and  \  have  many  things  to 
say  to  him,  that  I  cannot  well  write,  either  from  lazi- 
ness, or  want  of  time. 

Your  very  sincere,  and  affectionate  friend, 

ISAAC    S.   KEITH. 

N.B.  For  this  last  sheet,  you  are  indebted  to  Mr. 
L's  delay,  and  to  a  severe  cold,  which  has  kept  me  at 
home  to  day. 


31t  LETTERS. 


TO    MRS.    S.    W. 

CHARLESTON,    JUNE  21,  1806. 

A  HE  kind,  affectionate,  and  excellent  letter  of 
our  very  worthy,  and  amiable,  and  dear  friend,  written 
chiefly  at  sea,  and  from  day  to  day,  during  the  passage 
from  this  port  to  New  York,  was  received  by  us  from 
the  Post  office,  on  Monday  the  16th  inst.  And  as  it 
conveyed  some  of  the  pious  sentiments  and  refined  feel- 
ings of  your  heart,  and  brought  us  the  pleasing  informa- 
tion of  your  safe  arrival  at  New  York,  it  was  most  wel- 
come and  acceptable  to  us.  The  pleasure  which  it  gave 
us,  we  could  not  think  of  enjoying  as  exclusively  our 
own,  but  have,  on  the  principle  of  doing  to  others,  as  we 
"Would  have  them  do  to  us,  liberally  shared  with  sever- 
al of  your  good  friends  here,  by  allowing  them  the  pe- 
rusal of  it ;  and  they  have  evidently  shared  with  us, 
a  peculiar  satisfaction,  in  hearing  that  your  passage  was 
so  short,  as  that  of  only  one  week,  and  that  it  was  on 
the  whole  so  agreeable.  Jt  is  hoped  that  they  and  we, 
unite  in  sincere  gratitude  and  praise,  to  the  merciful 
preserver  of  men,  and  the  munificent  Benefactor  of  his 
people,  for  the  favour  of  his  kind  Providence,  in  con- 
ducting you  safely  and  comfortably,  to  the  land  in  the 
city  of  New  York  :  where,  considering  how  short  is  the 
distance  between  that  place  and  Farmington,  and  how 
apparently  safe  and  pleasant  would  be  the  means  of 
conveyance,  compared  with  the  length  of  the  way,  the 
tossings  and  the  risques  through  which  you  had  already 


LETTERS.  311 

passed,  you  must  have  felt  yourself  almost  within  sight 
of  home. 

"  While  she  surveys  the  much  lov'd  spot. 
She  slights  ihe  space  which  lies  between. 
Her  past  fatigues  are  now  forgot. 
Because  her  journey's  end  is  seen. 

Thus,  when  the  christian  pilgrim  views, 
Br  faith  his  mansion  in  the  skies, 
The  sight  his  fainting  breath  renews. 
And  wings  his  speed  to  reach  the  prize." 

NEWTON,  3d  Book,  58th  Hymn. 

Since  you  left  that  "  much  lov^d  spot,^'  what 
changes  have  you  seen,  through  what  scenes  have  you 
passed,  what  triads  have  you  felt,  what  mercies  have 
you  experienced  ?  Surely  you  will  ever,  with  an  adoring 
mind,  remember  the  way  in  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
hath  led  thee  in  the  wilderness,  through  which  thou 
hast  travelled,  during  these  memorable  months  of  thy 
life,  in  which  he  has  been  humbling  thee,  and  proving 
thee,  that  he  might  discover  what  was  in  thine  hearty 
which  required  correction  or  improvement ;  see  Deut, 
viii,  and  that  he  might  give  you  such  views  of  his  holi- 
ness, wisdom,  and  grace,  as  were  eminently  adapted  to 
try  and  to  increase  your  faith  and  hope,  your  submission 
and  patience,  your  love  and  gratitude,  your  peace  and 
joy.  Was  not  this,  then,  "  the  right  way  in  which 
you  should  be  led,"  the  best  way  which  could  be  chos- 
en and  pursued,  for  the  benevolent  purpose  of  "  doing 
you  good  at  your  latter  end  V  Oh  happy,  thrice  happy 
they,  whose  God  is  the  Lord,  even  their  God  in  cove- 
nant, their  sun  and  shield,  their  guide  and  guard,  their 
saviour  and  portion  ;  giving  an  all  sufficiency  of  present 
grace,  and  crowning  that  grace  with  future,  immortal, 
inconceivable  glory  !     And  how  high  their  privilege 


312  LETTERS. 

and  satisfaction,   when  they  feel  themselves  authorized 
and   enabled  lo  rejoice,  that  the  Lord  tkeir  God  and 
Saviour  reigns;    and    that  "their   times    are    in   his 
hands;*'   persuaded,  that   **  he    doth  ail    things  well," 
that  "  all  his  paths  towards  thetn,  are  mercy  and  truth," 
and    that    "  all   things   shall    work   toirether    for    their 
good."     Thus   have  you  been  privileged  and  blessed! 
And  how  sweet  have  been  the    humiliations,  and    the 
transports  of  your  soul,  in   the  view,  the  hope,  the  as- 
surance of  your  being   thus   highly   favoured    of   the 
Lord  !     If  my  soul   be  yet  a  stranger  to  these  views 
and   hopes,   to  these  exercises    and  consolations,  yet 
would   I  rather,   ten  thousand    times  rather,  be   experi- 
mentally acquainted  with  them,  than  be  the  possessorof 
all  the  kinscdoms  of  the  world,  with  all  the  glory  of  them. 
For  sure  I  am,  that  none  but  they,  whom  the  Lord  thus 
condescends  to  honor  and  to  bless,  and  whom  his  grace 
prepares  and  disposes  to  rejoice  in   him,  as  the  God  of 
their  salvation,  and  as  the  Father   of  mercies  to  them, 
c^n  be  happy  in  this  world,    or    in   the  world  to  come. 
But  T  must  remember   that  I  am  not  now  writing  a  ser- 
mon, but  a  letter.     To  return  then,  to  the  *'  much  lov'd 
spot  :"  to  your  lo7igr  desired  liome,  after  so  tedious  an 
exile  from  it,  and  such  vicissitudes  of  trouble  and  of  com- 
fort, as  you  have  experienced,  during  the  trying  months 
of  your  absence,  you  were  at  length,  as  we  fondly  hope, 
graciously  restored,    within   a    few  days  from    the   last 
date  of  your  interesting  communications,  sent  on  to  us, 
immediately  after  your  arrival  in  New  York.     The  va- 
rious emotions  with  which  your  own  heart,  and  the  hearts 
of  your  friends,  must  have   been  agitated,  on  the  occa- 
sion of  your  meeting  again  ;  the  sweet   satisfactions  of 
the  interview,  and  the  painful  sorrows,  all  revived  and 


LETTERS.  313 

brought  back  in  full  force   to  the  wounded,  bleedinadflfe 
Jieart,  by  the  recoliectJoii,andthe  feeling  of  the  might^^^^ 
void,  which  the  awful  hand  of  death  had  made  in  the 
society,  and  the  comforts  of  the  family,  and  the  circle 
of  friends,  lately  so  full  and  so  pleasing  in  enjoyment, 
and  in  prospect  ;  the  high  re&pect,  affection,  and  con- 
solatiGny  cherished  for  the  memory  of  the  departed 
husband,  father,  pastor  and  friend  ;  the  gratitude  rising 
to  the  God  of  the  widow,  and  the  Father  of  the  father- 
less,  for  all   the  kindness  which  his  providence  has 
shewn  to  the  bereaved  ;  the  anxious  cares  and  appre- 
]iensious  entertained   for   their  future  comfort  and  wel- 
fare ;  and  the  soothing  humble  confidence,  inspired  by 
the   promises  of  the  covenant,  that  the  Lord  will  pro- 
vide for,  and  never  leave  nor  forsake  those  who  trust  in 
him  :  these,  and  such  like  emotions,  experienced  on  an 
occasion  so  affecting   and  interesting,  we  can  in  some 
degree  imagine  ;  but  you,  we  know,  must  have  realiz- 
ed them,  in  a  degree,  which  even  your  own  ready,  and 
fertile  pen,  cannot  half  describe.     May  eyery  pleasing 
and  painful  sensation,  every  piou3  and  worthy  feeling,  ex- 
cited  and  renewed,  by  your  return  to  the  scenes,   once 
so  delightful,  now  so  greatly  changed  ;  and  all  the 
circumstances  which  have  attended  your  meeting  with 
your  dear  family  and  friends,  be  divinely  sanctified  to 
yx)u  and  to  them  ;  so  that  your  Heavenly  Father  may 
be  glorified  in,  and  by  you  all,  through  Jesus,  your  Re- 
deemer, and  your  strength  ;  and  so  that  your  own  best, 
your  spiritual,   and   immortal   interests,  may  be  emi- 
nently promoted  ! 

We  expect  that  as  soon  after  your  return  home,  as  you 
can  find  sufficient  leisure,  you  will  give  us  some  account 

of  these  matters  5  and  tell  us  more  about  those  worthy 
40 


314  LETTERS. 

and  dear  friends,  concerning  whom  you  Lave  told  U9  so 
much  already  ;  and  that  you  will  mention  particularly^ 
every  one  of  your. dear  little  children,  and  say  some- 
thing about  them,  that  will  be  2;ratifying  to  our  feelings, 
and  encouraging  to  our  hopes.  May  our  blessed,  and 
dear  Lord  and  Saviour,  who  gathers  the  lambs  in  his 
arms,  and  carries  them  in  his  bosom,  take  them  into  the 
arms  of  his  mercy,  press  them  to  the  bosom  of  his  love, 
and  bless  them  wilh  his  grace  and  salvation,  and  thus 
prepare  them  for  his  kingdom  of  glory  ;  to  which  he 
has  already  removed  their  excellent  father^  and  where 
their  amiable  mother,  will  in  the  time  appointed,  be 
admitted  to  join  with  him,  and  all  the  redeemed  and  the 
sanctified,  to  behold  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  their  Sa- 
viour, to  triumph  in  the  praises  of  the  triune  God,  and 
to  partake  of  that  fulness  of  joy,  which  is  in  his  presence 
for  ever  ! 

It  was  indeed,  painful  to  my  feelings,  to  leave  you 
on  board  Ihe  brig,  before  the  other  passengers  had  come. 
But  you  know  the  imperious  circumstances  which  re- 
quired my  returning  home.  And  I  am  now  pleased 
with  the  very  circumstances  which  then  gave  me  pain  : 
as  the  solitary  hour  which  you  spent  in  that  unpleas- 
ant situation,  furnished  you  with  the  opportunity  of 
beginning  your  journal  letter,  and  of  expressing  the 
feelings  of  your  heart,  in  reflecting  on  the  parting  scene, 
which  we  find  were  in  unison  with  our  own,  gloomy  and 
depressed,  in  the  prospect  of  the  voyage  before  you, 
which  in  many  points  of  view,  would  naturally  be  an- 
ticipated by  you  with  anxiety  and  apprehension  ;  and 
also,  from  the  experience  of  our  own  great  and  deeply 
regretted  loss,  when  we  were  thus  deprived  of  the  pres- 
ence of  a  most  valuable,  and  highly  esteemed  friend, 


LETTERS.  315 

whose  countenance,  conversation,  and  society,  were 
daily  bringing  her  nearer  and  nearer  to  our  hearts,  from 
the  first  evening,  to  the  last  morning  of  her  residence 
in  our  family,  <*  which  seemed  unto  us  but  a  few  days, 
for  the  love  we  had  for  her."^  It  was  some  consola- 
tion to  find  so  many  sharing  in  our  love  and  regret,  and 
best  wishes  for  you.  All  your  intimate  acquaintance, 
seem  to  have  become  in  a  greater  or  less  degree,  your 
real  friends  :  they  felicitated  us,  on  the  pleasure  and 
the  improvement,  which  your  company  was  adapted  to 
afford  ;  they  have  sympathized  with  us,  on  account  of 
the  necessary  separation,  when  it  took  place  ;  and  they 
have  rejoiced  with  us,  for  your  own  sake,  and  that  of 
your  family,  &c.  when  they  were  informed  of  your 
having  proceeded  so  far,  and  so  comfortably,  on  youu 
way  homeward.  Let  not  these  observations,  make 
your  pride  or  vanity,  "  rise  and  swell  :"  but  remem- 
bering who  has  made  you  to  differ  from,  and  to  excel 
others,  either  in  the  qualifications  of  nature,  education, 
or  grace,  be  humble  and  thankful,  and  act  as  it  becomes 
one  who  knows,  that  of  them,  to  whom  much  has  been 
given,  the  more  will  be  required,  by  the  great  Lord  of 
all,  who  distributes  at  his  sovereign  pleasure,  to  one 
servant,  one  talent,  to  another  two,  to  another  five,  &c. 
and  who  will  judge  and  recompense  them,  according 
to  their  neglect  or  improvement,  of  the  trust  reposed  in 
them. 

Your  sea  sickness,  was,  we  hope,  ultimately  favoura- 
ble to  your  bodily  health,  as  all  unpleasant  circum- 
stances, and  painful  events  are,  or  are  adapted  to 
be,  medicinal  and  salutary  to   the  soul.     While  that 

*  CJen.  xxix.  20. 


SIG  ^  LETTERS. 

sickness,  and  your  distance  from  the  ordinances  of  the 
sanctuary,  prevented  your  enjoying  much  pleasure  on 
the  sabbath;  it  is  to  be  hoped,  that  your  kind  christian  re- 
membrance of  the  church  in  which  you  had  been  lately 
a  worshipper,  and  the  pious  ejaculations  of  your  heart, 
which  ascended  to  God  on  our  behalf,  and  on  the  par- 
ticular occasion  of  our  dedicating  our  new  house  of  wor- 
ship to  his  service,  were  graciously  accepted,  and  hap- 
pily instrumental,  through  the  intercession  of  our  di- 
vine Mediator,  in  drawing  down  the  blessings  of  heaven 
upon  us.  After  being  providentially  detained  with  us, 
till  the  day  preceding  that  sabbath,  many  other  friends, 
with  ourselves,  very  much  regretted,  that  you  were 
not  allowed  to  enjoy  that  sabbath  with  us,  on  the  first 
occasion  of  our  assembling  in  that  edifice.  But  so  the 
Lord  ordered  it  ;  and  as  he  doth  all  things  well,  you 
and  v/e  should  ever  feel  it,  as  our  duty,  and  our  interest^ 
and  our  happiness,  to  say  from  the  heart,  the  will  of 
the  Lord  be  done  !  On  the  solemn  and  interesting  oc- 
casion of  our  opening  for  public  worship,  that  new, 
spacious,  and  handsome  house,  which  we  have  builded 
for  the  Lord,  we  encourage  the  hope,  that  his  presence 
was  with  us,  that  his  blessing  was  upon  us,  that  his 
peace  was  to  th&t  house,  and  that  in  the  view  of  a  num- 
ber at  least,  of  the  genuine  worshippers  there,  it  appear- 
ed to  be  filled  with  his  glory.  The  building  is  estimat- 
ed, to  accommodate  v^'ith  seats,  including  those  in  the 
gallery,  about  1400  or  1500  people  ;  and  it  is  suppos- 
ed, that  on  the  day  on  which  the  church  was  opened, 
there  were  nearly  2000  persons  present ;  and  very  many, 
who  came  to  the  house,  went  away  for  want  of  room. 
From  the  circular  form  of  the  church,  when  filled  with 
worshippers,  the  audience  appears^  especially  from  the 


LETTERS.  31  f 

pulpil,  io  very  great  advantage ;  although  the  inconven- 
ience of  an  echo,  is  felt  in  some  parts  of  the  building. 
On  the  occasion  of  opening  this  church,  the  subject  of 
Dr.  H*s  discourse,  was  "  Mine  house  shall  be  called 
an  house  of  prayer  for  all  nations."^  The  subject  of 
my  discourse,  was,  **  I  will  fill  this  house  with  glorj."f 
As  the  church  has  requested  copies  of  these  discours- 
es for  the  press,  you  may  in  due  time,  have  an  oppor- 
tunity of  seeing,  and  reading  them  in  print.  They  are 
to  be  harmoniously  associated  in  the  same  pamphlet, 
prefaced  with  an  historical  sketch  of  the  church,  and 
some  account  of  its  former  ministers.  You,  I  doubt 
not,  will  cordially  concur,  with  the  friends  of  Zion 
here,  in  the  pious  prayer,  that  this  house  may  long 
stand  as  a  monument,  to  the  praise  of  God  our  Saviour, 
through  whose  good  hand  upon  us,  the  work  has  been 
carried  forward  to  the  state,  in  which  it  is  now  fit  for 
our  use,  at  an  expense  of  g5O,O0O  ;  and  it  cannot  be 
completed  for  less  than  .^10,000  more  :  and  that  in  this 
house,  the  power  and  glory  of  Divine  grace,  may  be 
richly  displayed,  in  the  conversion  of  sinners,  and  the 
edification  of  believers,  through  a  long  succession  of 
generations.  We  should  be  gratified  in  hearing  that 
the  prospect  for  your  bereaved  church  in  Farmington, 
is  brightening,  and  encouraging.  When  I  began  this 
sheet,  I  thought  of  resigning  a  large  portion  of  it  to  my 
dear  Jane,  who  could  easily  have  filled  it  up,  more 
agreeably  perhaps,  than  it  has  been  done  by  my  te- 
dious scrawling.  But  she  has  been  rather  indisposed, 
and  suffered  a  good  deal  from  a  severe  headache,  for  a 
few  days  past,  and  says  she  does  not  yet  feel  in  a  letter 

*  Isaiah  M.  7.  |  Haggai  ii.  7, 


318  liETTERS. 

writing  frame.  She  therefore  begs  that  she  may  be 
allowed  to  reserve  her  intended  communications,  till 
we  receive  your  promised  letter  from  Farmington, 
which  we  now  expect  within  a  very  few  days.  As  I 
observed  to  you,  while  you  were  wilh  us,  so  I  have 
found  it  since  you  left  us,  that  it  seems  as  if  a  thousand 
things  more  should  have  been  said  to  you,  and  by  you, 
which  were  omitted  while  the  opportunity  was  enjoy- 
ed. And  so  it  is,  in  respect  to  this  letter  :  lengthy  as 
it  is,  I  seem  to  have  communicated  almost  nothing  of 
what  I  wished  to  write.  But  after  all  that  can  be  writ- 
ten and  said,  it  is  only  in  eternity,  that  the  redeemed 
will  have  time  for  telling  all  their  minds  to  each  other, 
and  shewing  forth  all  the  praises  of  the  adorable  Author 
of  their  being,  and  God  of  their  salvation,  and  of  all 
their   mercies.     In  the  mean   time,  let  us, 

*'  Cheerful  advance  with  growing  strength. 
Till  all  shall  meet  in  heaven  at  length  ; 
Till  all  before  his  face  appear. 
And  join  in  noblest  worship  there." 

Pray  for  us,  our  dear  friend.  We  endeavour  to  pray 
for  you  and  yours,  and  you  may  rest  assured,  that 
you  continue,  and  I  believe  ever  will,  to  hold  as  high 
a  place,  in  the  esteem  and  affection  of  our  hearts,  as 
you  could  wish.  That  He  who  justly  claims  the  su- 
preme and  eternal  love  of  all  our  hearts,  may  bless 
you,  our  very  dear  friend,  abundantly  and  for  ever,  is 
the  sincere  language  of  the  united  hearts  of  your  truly 
aflfectionate, 

I.   S.  AND  J.  KEITH. 


LETTERS.  31.9 


'^^ 


TO- 


CHARLESTON,    JULY   11,   ISQS. 
Mr    BEAR     FRIEND, 

-T  OR  sometime  pasf,  I  have  been  think- 
ing how  long  it  was,  since  I  had  received  a  letter  from 
you.  Reflecting  on  this  subject  yesterday,  1  began 
to  apprehend,  that  I  had  written,  or  done  something, 
that  had  made  my  friendship  appear  to  you,  in  a  ques- 
tionable shape,  or  at  least,  deserving  of  some  correction, 
which  you  had  resolved  to  inflict,  by  maintaining  this 
long  silence;  which  1  assure  you  was  sensibly  fell  by  me, 
and  at  length  1  became,  if  not  really  bumbled,  at  least 
so  much  mortified,  and  so  uneasy  under  it,  that  I  had 
almost  determined  to  write  to  you,  without  having  pre- 
viously received  a  line  from  you,  and  to  ask,  "  What 
is  the  matter  with  you  ?  or.  Wherein  have  I  offended  V* 
When,  lo  !  to  day  I  am  again  favoured  with  a  good 
long  letter  from  you,  dated  July  5,  which  has  cleared 
up  my  doubts,  banished  my  apprehensions,  and  fully 
satisfied  me  that  your  heart,  though  it  seems  to  have 
been  a  little  moody  with  some  of  the  human  race,  and 
to  have  had  a  little  bickering  with  the  world  lately,  has 
still  continued  to  cherish  sentiments  of  friendship,  and 
dispositions  of  peace  and  good  will,  with  my  dear  little 
Jane  and  myself.  In  this  view,  as  well  as  in  some  oth- 
er respects,  your  friendly  communications,  have  given 
us  both  a  great  deal  of  pleasure  :  I  am  afraid  to  say, 
perhaps,  more  pleasure,  than  it  would  have  given,  if 
these  crooked  circumstances  had  not  intervened  ;  for 


32Q  LETTERS. 

then  you  might  be  (eiupted  to  try  the  same  mean^ 
again,  which  perhaps,  might  not  succeed  as  well  again. 
For  my  part,  what  with  ordinary  atfairs,  and  some  im- 
portant  extra  business,  in  which  I  have  been  lately  en- 
gaged, and  what  with  an  old  inveterate  habit  oi'  indo- 
lence, and  the  present  relaxing  heat  of  the  weather, 
I  have  fancied  and  persuaded  myself,  that  1  have 
scarcely  found  time  or  leisure,  for  writing  to  you  again^ 
since  I  last  wrote  to  you,  which  was,  I  know  not  when. 
And  now,  when  I  have  taken  up  my  pen,  immediately 
after  perusing  your  letter,  in  the  hope  of  feeling  my 
sluggish  mind  usefully  influenced  and  animated,  by  a 
sense  of  your  kindness,  still  fresh  upon  it.  I  find  that 
it  is  no  easy  task,  to  .auster  up  a  few  ideas,  to  go  along 
•with  the  few  lines,  which  I  am  scrawling.  As  you 
have  studied  anatomy,  and  the  influence  of  the  ele- 
ments, &c.  upon  the  human  system,  I  need  not  here, 
by  way  of  apology  for  myself,  stay  to  shew,  how  easi- 
ly the  almost  vertical  and  burning  beams  of  the  sun, 
at  this  season,  may  penetrate  through  a  small  mass  of 
brains  like  mine ;  and  how  soon  they  may  scorch  to 
cinders,  the  small  seeds,  or  young  shoots  of  thought, 
vegetating  there,  or  evaporate  them  all  into  smoke  and 
clouds.  So,  the  less  I  have  to  say  for  myself,  the  more 
matter  I  may  furnish  for  the  employment  of  your  ingen- 
uity, and  scientific  researches,  and  calculations,  and  con- 
clusions. And  perhaps,  on  a  similar  principle,  if  I  had 
only  philosophical  and  medical,  and  especially  chemical 
knowledge  enough,  I  might  account  for  the  complexion 
of  your  letter,  which  is  rather  gloomy  and  querulous. 
In  yoiir  more  capacious  cerebrum,  fortified,  with  a  bet- 
ter pericranium,  the  embryos  of  ideas,  are  not  so  easily 
or  so  soon  calcined,  or  dissipated  ;  but  they  may  have 


LETTERS,  321' 

SO  far  felt  the  calorific  influence  of  the  sun,  as  (o  have 
been  excited  into  a  considerable  fermentation,  marked 
with  strong  acidities,  and  with  loud  and  vehement  explo- 
sions of  perturbed  sensibility  :  but,  when  the  exciting 
cause  is  removed,  this  irritability,  or  irritation  rather, 
of  the  nerves  of  the  mind,  will  of  course  subside,  and 
there  will  be  a  great,  or  a  sweet  calm.  The  sooner  this 
important  change  takes  place,  the  better.  And  as  doc- 
tors generally,  or  at  least,  frequently,  are  the  poorest 
physicians  for  themselves  ;  leaving  you  to  prescribe  to 
me,  as  you  may  find  occasion  :  I  shall  now  take  leave 
to  suggest  a  little  advice,  which  may  be  useful  to  you. 
On  the  first  day,  after  receiving  this,  on  which  you  shall 
feel  your  spirits  agitated  and  raised  to  a  feverish  heat, 
improve  the  first  leisure  hour,  which  you  can  command, 
and  which  you  have  a  right  to  demand  from  those  en- 
gagements with  the  world,  which  your  situation  re- 
quires, and  which  your  religion  sanctions,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  retreating  to  that  charming  shade,  created  by 
the  Redeemer's  banner  of  love,  which  he  spreads  over 
his  friends,  who  are  disposed  to  withdraw  from  the 
world,  in  order  to  enjoy  communion  with  him,  and  un- 
der which  they  sit  with  great  delight  :  there  take  up 
the  glass  of  faith,  which  you  will  find  lying  ready  for 
your  use,  upon  the  open  volume  of  his  word  of  truth 
and  grace  ;  and  placing  this  before  your  eye,  out  of 
which  you  have  carefully  cast  every  beam  and  mote, 
which  would  obstruct  its  vision,  look  steadily,  through 
this,  towards  every  point  of  the  compass  around  you  ; 
and  when  you  have  taken  a  deliberate  survey  of  the 
world,  and  of  your  fellow  mortals,  "  moving  like  shad- 
ows o'er  the  plain,"   then  raise  your  glass  towards  the 

throne  of  your  Lord  ;  and  though  at  first  you  may  see 
41 


3-22 


LETTERS. 


Only  clouds  and  darkness  round  about  him  ;  yet  will 
you  soon  begin  to  perceive  light  shining  out  of  dark- 
ness ;  and  in  his  light,  you  will  see  light  snfScient  to 
shew  you,  that  he  ddth  all  things  well,  and  that  there 
is  not  a  circumstance  of  your  situation,  or  an  event 
which  befals  you,  by  whatever  secondary  cause  or 
agency  produced,  but  what  is  ordered  by  infinite  wis- 
dom, and  sanctified  by  Divine  grace,  to  work  for  your 
good.  Before  you  are  aware,  you  will  find,  that  this 
sweet  retirement,  and  this  iateresting  prospect,  have 
cooled  the  fever  of  your  mind,  composed  all  its  ruffled 
feelings  and  passions,  and  restored  it  to  the  enjoyment 
of  a  most  desirable  peace,  such  as  the  smiles  of  the 
world  cannot  give,  nor  its  frowns  take  away  ;  a  peace 
which  your  Lord  alone  can  bestow,  and  which  bis  chos- 
en and  beloved  friends,  usually  enjoy  in  the  highest 
perfection,  when  they  are  most  harassed  and  oppressed 
by  the  tribulations,  which  they  experience  in,  and 
from  the  world.     Prohatnm  esL 

Yes,  my  friend,  I  believe  that  you,  and  I  hope  that  I, 
have  often  felt  its  sovereign  salutary  ef2cacy.  But  I 
think  it  probable,  that  you,  as  I  know  that  I  often  stand  m 
need  of  being  reminded  of  this  blessed  remedy,  this  gen- 
uine catholicon  ;  and  of  being  urged  by  much  and  impor- 
tunate persuasion,  to  try  it  again,  especially  when  we  are 
under  an  high  worldly  delirium,  and  are  most  incapable  of 
judging  what  is  best  for  us.  This,  I  think,  has  brought 
me  out  of  many  an  obstinate  fit  of  pouting,  or  of  the 
hypo,  when  I  was  not  inclined  to  speak  to  any  body, 
unless  it  was  in  pettish  language,  and  when  I  wanted 
nobody  to  speak  to  me,  unless  it  was  in  language  that 
would  flatter  my  pride,  or  encourage  me  in  my  ill  hu- 
mour with  the  world,  with  which  I  was  quarrelling,  be- 


LETTERS.  323 

V 

cause  T  thought  it  did  not  treat  me  as  well  as  I  deserv- 
ed.    But,  when  I  have  not  taken  due  pains  to  have  my 
eje  cleared  of  prejudice,   and  self-love,  which  always 
form  a  foggy  atmosphere,  or  to  have  the  glass  sufficient- 
ly brightened  by  the   application  of  a  leaf  of  Divine 
truth,    I  have  been  obliged  to   look  the  longer,   and 
again  and  again,  before  I  could  well  see,   that  while  I 
was  not  what  I  ought  to  be,  all  things  around  me  were 
as  they  should  be,   arranged  and  ordered  in  the  best 
manner,   to  impress  upon  my  heart  the  lessons  of  heav- 
enly wisdom,  to   humble  me  under  a  consciousness  of 
my  own  failings,   follies,   and  offences  ;  and  to  recom- 
mend and  endear  to  me  more  effectually,  the  blood  and 
righteousness,  the  love  and  grace,  and  friendship  of  the 
blessed  Redeemer,  as  the  sinner's  best  friend  ;  and  thus 
to  do  me  good  in  the  latter  end.     Such  also,  I  suppose, 
has  sometimes  been   your  experience.     From  the  ob- 
servations, indeed,  which  fill   a   page  or  more  of  your 
folio  letter,   I  suspect  that  many  of  the  scenes  in  this 
path  of  life,  which  you  have  trodden,  have  been  very 
similar  to  those  through  which  I  have  passed,  in  my  pil- 
grimage through  the  wilderness  of  this  evil  world.     How 
often  has  it  smiled  and  flattered,  and   made  the  fairest 
promises,  when  it  has  been  preparing  to  give  the  vexa- 
ation  and  bitterness  of  the   most  mortifying  disappoint- 
ments ;  but  when  aware  of  its  deceitfulness,  and  refus- 
ing to  trust    to   its   friendship,  we  have  taken  the  word 
and  Spirit,  and  providence  of  God,   for  our  guide  and 
stay,  we  have   then   found  the  hostility  of  the  world, 
made  to  minister  to  our  welfare,  and  some  of  the  keen- 
est pains  which  it  had   inflicted,  turned  into  our  sweet- 
est comforts.     Let  us  then  be  cheered  and  encouraged, 
for  the  time  to   come.   While  we  meet  with  so  muck 


324  I^BTTERS. 

vanif  J  and  emptiness,  in  so  many  of  the  things  of  the 
world,  and  of  our  fellow  mortals  who  dwell  in  it  ;  let  ns 
be  thankful  for  the  few  good  things,  and  worthy,  and 
valuable,  and  dear  friends,  which  we  enjoy  in  it  ;  and 
through  all  its  varied  scenes,  let  us  walk  by  faith,  and 
not  by  sight,  leaning  on  our  beloved  Lord,  whose  ful- 
ness is  always  ready  to  supply  all  our  wants,  rejoicing 
in  worldly  comforts,  as  though  we  rejoiced  not,  and 
weeping  under  worldly  sorrows,  as  though  we  wept  not ; 
looking  not  at  the  things  which  are  seen  and  temporal, 
but  at  the  things  which  are  not  seen,  and  eternal  ;  firm- 
ly believing,  and  humbly  exulting,  in  the  persuasion, 
and  the  prospect,  that  "  our  light  affliction,  which  is 
but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding, 
and  eternal  weight  of  glory." 

I  do  not  wonder  at  your  feelings,  after  reading  Or- 
ion's Life  of  Doddridge.  The  perusal  of  that  volume, 
made  me  feel  so  humble,  and  gave  me  such  a  degrading 
view  of  myself,  that  I  often  almost  blushed  at  the 
thought  of  claiming  the  christian  character,  which  shone 
with  so  much  of  its  native  beauty  and  lustre  in  Dod- 
dridge, or  of  raising  even  a  trembling  hope  to  that 
heavenly  habitation,  where  his  happy  spirit  now  dwells, 
triumphing  in  grace,  perfected  in  glory.  But  some 
lime  afterwards,  consulting  with  an  old  near  neighbour 
of  mine,  Mr.  Self,  who,  though  I  know  him  to  be  far 
from  being  as  good  as  he  should  be,  and  have  been,  in 
many  instances,  shamefully  duped  and  grossly  injured 
by  him,  yet  some  how  or  other,  possesses  a  most  extra- 
ordinary influence  over  me  ;  he  slyly  insinuated,  that  in 
this  admirable  picture,  which  Orton  has  drawn  of  his 
friend,  we  have  only,  or  chiefly,  an  exhibition  of  his  ex- 
cellencies, which  appear  prominent  and  brilliant  indeed. 


LETTERS.  32S 

while  Lis  defects  are  kept  wholly  out  of  view,  and  are 
thrown  so  far  into  the  back  ground,  as  to  be  scarcely 
visible;  and  he  suggested  further,  that  with  such  mental 
imbecility,  as  had  fallen  to  my  lot,  it  would  be  the  ex- 
treme of  folly,  to  attempt,  to  rival  a  man  of  such  superi- 
or talents,  as  well  of  such  pre-eminent  piety:  while 
he  added,  which  I  knew  to  be  true,  and  which  seemed 
to  give  a  plausible,  pleasing  air  of  truth  to  ail  the  rest, 
that  my  bodily  frame,  especially  in  this  debilitating  cli- 
mate, would  have  long  ago  sunk  into  the  earth,  from, 
which  it  was  taken,  under  one  fourth  part  of  the  labours 
which  the  pious,  the  benevolent,  the  zealous,  the  inde- 
fatigable Doddridge,  sustained.  But  if  this  same  Mr. 
Self,  should  ever  come  in  your  way,  I  advise  you  to  be 
very  cautious  in  your  intercourse  with  him  ;  for  though 
he  she^'s,  at  first,  a  very  friendly,  prepossessing  coun- 
tenance, and  possesses  an  eloquent,  persuasive  tongue  j 
yet,  trust  not  to  these  flattering  appearances,  nor  be- 
lieve his  much  fair  speech  ;  for  he  will  deceive  you, 
and  do  you  a  mischief,  where  he  seems  to  intend  you  a 
kindness.  Avoid  him,  therefore,  as  much  as  possible, 
and  as  often  as  you  meet  him,  turn  immediately  from 
him,  and  go,  and  do  like  Doddridge,  as  far  as  you  have 
ability  and  opportunity  ;  or,  at  least,  nobly  try  to  be  a 
follower  of  him,  as  he  was  of  Christ. 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 


TO    MRS.   W. 

CHARLESTON,  AUGUST  U,  1806 

*'As  cold  water  to  a  thirsty   soul,  so  is   good  news 
from  a  far  country ;"  and  so  grateful  and  refreshing  to 


826  LETTERS. 

our  spirits,  was  the  excellent  letter  of  our  highly  es- 
teemed, and  very  dear  friend,  of  the  23d  and  •24th  of 
Julj  ultimo,  which  we  received  on  the  11  Ih  inst.  For 
some  time  past,  we  seat  to  the  Post-office,  as  often  as  the 
northern  mail  arrived  ;  but  still  found  nothing  there  for 
us,  from  Farmlngton,  but  disappointment.  For  this, 
indeed,  we  may  chiefly  thank  ourselves ;  since,  if  we 
had  consulted  our  judgment  more,  and  our  feelings  less, 
we  could  not  have  aiiowed  ourselves,  to  indulge  any 
very  sanguine  expectations  of  a  letter  from  you,  much 
sooner  than  we  were  favoured  with  the  one  above  men- 
tioned :  and  I  am  truly  sorry,  that  an  intimation,  drop- 
ped by  my  unguarded  pen,  on  that  subject,  should  have 
given  a  moment's  pain  to  your  feeling  heart,  on  account 
of  your  not  being  able  to  gratify  our  expectations,  so 
soon  as  we  and  you  also  wished.  The  peculiar  circum- 
stances of  your  situation,  after  so  long  an  absence  from 
home,  and  so  great  and  afflicting  a  change  in  your  fami- 
ly, and  your  having,  since  your  return,  such  a  multiplic- 
ity of  affairs,  and  the  almost  incessant  calls  of  so  large 
a  circle  of  kind  and  sympathizing  friends,  to  occupy 
your  attention,  would  have  formed  a  sufficient  apology, 
for  even  a  longer  delay  of  your  much  desired,  and  much 
valued,  communications.  And  even  when  our  affection- 
ate wishes,  became  almost  impatient  to  hear  from  you, 
still  would  not  our  hearts  cherish,  for  a  moment,  the 
thought  of  attaching  any  blame  to  you ;  for  we  were 
sure,  that  your  heart  was  not  in  fault.  No,  indeed  ; 
never  have  we,  in  a  single  instance,  been  inclined  to 
call  in  question,  the  sincerity,  the  affection,  the  good 
will,  of  your  friendship  for  us  ;  while  we  have  felt  and 
regretted  our  inability  to  make  due  returns  for  it,  in  all 
those  refined  satisfactions,  and  important  benefits,  which 


LETTERS.  327 

christian  love  delights  in  conferring,  and  would  often 
communicate  in  a  measure  far,  very  far  beyond  its 
power.  In  the  present  case,  if  any  of  us  have  been 
blaaieable,  it  must  be  onrselve«?,  rather  than  you ;  as 
your  second  letter  from  New-York,  which  came,  I  be- 
lieve, by  Capt.  B-.  and  which  we  did  not  receive  till 
some  time  after  our  letters  were  written  to  you,  has  not 
till  now  been  mentioned.  And  the  reason  of  this  was, 
that  we  were  then  looking  for  another  from  you,  and 
meant  to  take  notice  of  both  together  ;  and  thus,  at  the 
same  time,  to  avoid  unnecessary  postage,  and  to  spare 
some  labour  in  writing ;  and  you  know,  how  agreeable 
to  us,  are  all  labour  saving  plans,  and  measures,  in  this 
warm,  and  relaxing  climate.  And  much  of  this  summer, 
has  been  unusually  warm,  though  still  very  healthy  in 
the  city,  and  very  favourable  to  the  crops  in  the 
country. 

Your  labour  in  writing,  in  a  climate  ranch  more  fa* 
vourable,  both  to  bodily  and  mental  exertion,  you  may 
consider  as  most  agreeably  compensated  to  you,  by  the 
pleasure,  and  the  instruction  communicated  to  our- 
selves, and  some  other  friends,  who  have  been  favoured 
with  the  perusal  of  your  last,  as  well  as  of  your  former 
letters.  After  such  a  remark,  shall  I  now  be  allowed 
to  intimate,  that  there  is  any  thing  in  your  last  letter,  I 
mean  as  to  sentiment  or  expression,  that  is  not  pleas- 
ing ?  Perhaps,  rather,  I  should  say  that  ought  not  to 
be  pleasing  ?  For,  should  I  be  pleased  with  fiattery  ? 
It  was  not,  I  am  sure,  yo^ir  intention  to  flatter.  But, 
ah  !  my  friend,  yielding  only  to  the  impulse  of  your 
own  grateful,  benevolent  heart,  and  not  sufficiently 
aware  of  the  vanity  and  selfishness  of  mine,  you  have 
incautiously  indulged  in  a  language,  about  as  well  adapt- 


328  i»ETTERS. 

ed  to  preserve  and  promote  that  humbleness  of  mind, 
which  is  one  of  the  first  dispositions  of  the  christian 
temper,  and  brightest  ornament  of  the  christian  charac- 
ter, as  a  lighted  match  would  be  to  secure  gunpowder 
from  an  explosion.  Yet,  on  the  whole,  what  seemed 
in  itself,  not  surely  so  designed  by  you,  adapted  to  do 
me  some  harm,  may,  on  the  contrary,  be  productive  of 
much  good  ;  if  it  shall  lead  me  to  reflect,  how  fallible  a 
criterion  of  onr  character  and  state,  is  the  opinion  of 
our  fellow  mortals,  while  prejudiced  enemies,  censure 
and  condemn,  without  knowledge  or  mercy,  and  partial 
friends  approve  and  commend,  beyond  all  truth  and 
reason;  if  it  shall  admonish  me,  to  consider  how  much 
better  we  should  be,  if  we  were  even  as  good  as  we  some- 
times appear  to  be,  in  the  view  of  the  kind  friends, 
whose  charity  for  us  is  such,  that  they  can  scarcely 
think  anj  evil  of  us  ;  and  if  it  shall  serve  to  remind  me, 
how  inestimable  is  the  privilege  of  all  real  believers,  who 
would  do  good,  while  evil  is  present  with  them ;  and  who, 
on  account  of  that  evil,  cannot  do  half  the  good  which 
they  would,  in  having  a  divine  Redeemer,  mediator, 
high-priest,  and  advocate,  who  is  the  Lord,  their  right- 
eousness and  strength  ;  who  can  be  touched  with  the 
feeling  of  all  their  infirmities,  who  ever  liveth  to  make 
intercession  for  them,  and  who,  through  his  own  aton- 
ing blood,  justifying  righteousness,  and  infinite  merits, 
presents  their  persons  and  services,  notwithstanding  all 
their  failings  and  imperfections,  with  acceptance  to  the 
most  holy,  and  the  most  gracious  God.  Are  we  united 
by  a  vital  faith  to  this  adorable  Saviour  ;  and  are  we 
complete  in  him,  in  whom  all  fulness  dwells?  Oh!  how 
precious  should  he  be  to  our  souls  !  bow  deeply  should 
we  be  humbled,  on  account  of  living  so  little  by  faitfc 


LETTERS.  329 

in  him,  and  in  the  promises  of  his  gospel  :  and  how 
much  more  should  our  souls  be  animated,  with  the  fer- 
Tent  desire,  and  holy  ambition,  of  having  that  mind  in 
us,  which  was  also  in  him,  and  of  being  conformed  to 
that  perfect  and  amiable  example,  which  he  has  left  us, 
that  we  should  follow  his  steps!  Lord  increase  my 
faith,  that  the  proper  fruits  of  it,  in  love  to  God  and 
man,  of  pure,  disinterested,  active,  beneficent  love,  may 
more  abound  ! 

And  now,  what  were  the  kindnesses  shewn,  or  the 
services  done,  to  our  worthy  and  dear  friend,  for  which 
she  feels  and  expresses  so  much  gratitude  ?  If  we  were 
instruments  of  any  comfort,  or  benefit  to  you,  this  was 
altogether  in  consequence  of  the  Lord's  designs  of  mer- 
cy and  love  to  you  ;  who,  having  all  hearts  in  his  hands, 
inclines  every  one  to  do  for  his  people,  just  what  he 
bath  purposed  and  determined  in  their  favour.  If,  on 
the  principles  of  humanity,  directed  and  sanctified,  as 
we  would  hope,  by  the  benign  spirit  of  the  gospel,  we 
received  you,  in  the  first  instance,  as  an  afflicted 
stranger,  to  whom,  in  all  cases,  compassion  should  be 
shewn;  in  the  course  of  the  first  evening,  and  much 
more  in  the  course  of  the  succeeding  Lord's  day,  and 
still  more  so  the  longer  you  remained  with  us,  we  were 
constrained  to  receive  you,  as  one  whom  our  Lord  had 
honored,  with  the  distinguishing  tokens  of  his  love  and 
favour,  and  had  sent  to  us  with  some  special  recommen- 
dations, reminding  us,  that  whatever  kindness,  in  the 
spirit  of  christian  love,  we  might  shew  to  you,  he  would 
graciously  consider  and  accept  as  done  to  himself.  In 
such  a  case,  christian  sensibility  could  not,  for  a  mo- 
ment, be  at  a  loss,  or  hesitate,  in  determining  what  was 

to  be  done.     And  though  christians,  conscious  of  acting 
42 


330  LETTERS. 

on  christian  principles,  may  have  respect,  lo  that  future 
recompense  of  reward,  which  their  Lord  has  promised, 
for  their  support  and  encouragement  in  the  way  of  well 
doing,  without  being  liable  to  the  charge  of  selfishness, 
nay,  with  a  double  regard,  to  the  honor  of  their  Lord  ; 
yet,  in  this  instance,  all  the  little  which  we  did  for  you, 
in  compliance  with  the  intimations  of  his  will,  was,  as 
far  as  we  could  desire  for  the  present  lime,  most  agree- 
ably repaid  to  us,  by  the  satisfaction  which  we  felt,  in 
loving,  and  by  love,  serving  one  of  the  dear  children  of 
his  family,  and  fellow-members  with  us,  of  the  house- 
hold of  faith,  if  to  that  sacred  society,  we  indeed  be- 
long ;  and  by  the  pleasure  and  improvement,  which  we 
found  in  the  society  and  conversation  of  one,  whom  di- 
vine grace  had  eminently  qualified,  and  particularly  in 
the  school  of  affiiction,  to  be  an  useful  instructor  and 
example  to  us.  liow  mtch  reason,  however,  have  we 
to  be  ashamed  of  ourselves,  when  we  think,  that  the 
season  of  your  stay  with  us,  passed  away  so  rapidly, 
and  leit  us  so  far  in  arrears,  with  respect  to  the  payment 
of  the  debt  of  love,  which  we  owed  you  |  and  so  little 
benefitted,  in  respect  to  the  improvement  which  we 
might  have  received  from  you,  and  from  the  providen- 
tial dispensations,  which  placed  you  with  us,  during 
those  short  months,  as  one  of  our  family  !  But  what  is 
the  season,  which  we  have  ever  enjoyed,  or  what  the 
providence  of  which  we  have  been  the  subjects  or  the 
witnesses,  when  it  is  passed,  and  when  we  reflect  on 
our  conduct  respecting  it,  which  will  not  appear,  to  fur- 
nish us  with  abundant  reason  for  smiting  en  our  breasts, 
and  crying,  "God  be  merciful  tons,  sinners  !*' 

After  the  account,  which  you  gave,  in  your  first  let- 
ter from  home,  of  the  stale  of  your  feelings,  under  the 


LETTERS.  331 

pressure  of  the  kindnesses  of  friends,  and  the  heavy 
load  of  familv  cares,  which  you  have  now  to  bear,  with- 
out having  it  now  in  your  power,  to  resort  to  the  ad- 
vice, the  sympathy,  the  assistance  of  that  dear  com- 
panion and  friend,  on  whose  judgment,  affection,  and 
supporting  arm,  you  have  been  accustomed  to  lean  with 
so  much  satisfaction  and  confidence^  we  might  almost 
have  expected  to  hear  in  your  next,  that  you  had  be- 
come  "  quite  sick,"  as  we  find,  indeed,  that  you  have 
been.  We  are,  however,  pleased  to  find,  that  your 
humble  and  firm  confidence  in  God  your  Saviour,  your 
everliving,  almighty,  all-sufficient,  and  unchanging 
friend,  had  been  so  happily  maintained,  under  all  your 
trials ;  and  that  you  were  so  soon  restored  again,  to  a 
comfortable  measure  of  health.  The  affecting  solem- 
nities of  the  scene  which  immediately  followed,  when 
the  funeral  sermon  was  preached,  must  have  proved  a 
severe  trial  to  your  faith  ;  which,  we  doubt  not,  was 
found  unto  praise  and  glory.  The  honor  done  to  the 
memory  of  your  late  worthy  husband,  connected  with 
the  respect  shewn  to  yourself,  in  all  the  circumstances 
attending  that  solemn  and  tender  occasion,  while  they 
could  not  fail,  in  some  respects,  to  open  afresh,  the 
bleeding  sorrows  of  your  heart,  must,  at  the  same  time, 
have  served  to  minister  also  the  balm  of  consolation, 
adapted  to  sooth  the  wound,  until  it  shall  be  more  ef- 
fectually healed,  by  the  hand  of  that  heavenly  physi- 
cian, whose  ofl5ce  it  is,  and  in  whose  power  alone  it  is, 
"  to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  and  to  comfort  those 
who  mourn."  As  soon  as  the  sermon  is  printed,  I  hope 
you  will  remember  to  send  us  a  copy  of  it  by  post,  that 
we  may,  by  the  perusal  of  it,  share  in  some  degree,  in 
the  satisfaction  and  the  improvement,  with  which  it  was 


332  LETTERS. 

generally  beard,  bj  the  very  numerous  and  respectable 
assembly  to  which  it  was  preached.  The  attendance 
of  more  than  thirty  ministers,  on  the  occasion  alluded 
to,  was  a  most  pleasing  circumstance  ;  and  it  shews,  in  a 
striking  and  impressive  light,  not  only  how  highly  the 
memory,  of  an  able,  faithful,  and  useful  minister  of 
Christ  is  honored,  by  those  who  were  best  acquainted 
with  his  worth,  and  the  importance  of  his  services  ;  but 
how  greatly  your  country  is  favoured,  in  having  so 
many  men  of  God,  employed  in  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry,  and  so  generally  dispersed  among  the  people, 
as  the  salt  of  the  earth  ;  while  the  spheres  of  their  be- 
nevolent and  useful  labours,  are  so  near  together,  that 
like  a  constellation,  they  shed  a  lustre  upon  each  other, 
and  contribute  to  make  the  whole  number,  and  every 
individual  composing  it,  shine  more  brightly,  as  the 
lights  of  the  world.  "  Oh  !  how  good  and  how  pleas- 
ant it  is,  for  brethren,  whether  few  or  many,  to  dwell 
together  in  unity, ^^  And  oh  !  that  the  gloomy  regions 
along  the  seaboard  of  our  Southern  States,  might  be 
speedily  gladdened  with  such  a  sight,  as  your  State 
often  exhibits,  in  those  numerous  and  harmonious  asso- 
ciations, of  the  ministers  of  Christ.  It  would  be  a  cir- 
cumstance, adapted  to  give  greater  joy,  than  the  joy 
of  harvest,  than  all  the  worldly  riches  and  luxuries  of 
the  south,  can  afford. 

From  your  account  of  Mr.  P's  talents  and  qualifica- 
tions for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  I  cannot  but  wish 
to  hear  of  his  being,  in  due  time,  settled  in  the  pastoral 
charge  of  so  respectable,  and  important  a  branch  of  the 
church,  as  that  at  Farmington.  But  the  great  Head  of 
the  church  alone  knows  what  is  best  for  him,  and  for 
that  part  of  his    church  :  and  He,  it  may  be  hoped,  will 


LETTERS.  233 

give  (hat  result  to  present  plans,  wishes,  and  expecta- 
tions, in  which  they  will  respectively  have  the  greatest 
reason  to  rejoice,  as  being  ordered  in  the  best  manner 
for  all  concerned. 

Very  pleasing  indeed,  is  the  account  which  you  give 
of  the  lively  and  active  piety,  and  benevolence,  of 
your  venerable  friend,  the  Rev.  Mr.  P.  at  his  advanc- 
ed period  of  life.  If  I  should  ever  have  the  pleasure 
of  becoming  acquainted  with  him  on  earth  ;  his  conver- 
sation and  example,  would,  1  hope,  have  some  desira- 
ble influence  and  effect,  in  quickening  and  animating 
me,  in  ray  present  work,  and  in  waiting  for  the  coming  of 
our  Lord.  Should  he  not  permit  us  to  meet  on  earth  ; 
may  he  prepare  us  to  meet,  to  dwell,  and  to  rejoice  to- 
gether for  ever,  in  his  presence  in  heaven.  Did  I  omit 
mentioning  this  gentleman,  in  my  former  letter?  If  so, 
I  am  ashamed  of  the  omission,  after  all,  that  you  had 
told  us  of  him,  while  you  were  with  us.  But  you  know 
something  of  the  infirmities  of  my  memory,  as  well  as 
of  my  head  and  my  heart.  Do  now,  endeavour,  with 
your  accustomed  ingenuity,  simplicity,  and  godly  sin- 
cerity, to  make  up  for  me,  to  this  worthy  old  disciple 
and  servant  of  our  common  Lord,  my  former  deficiency 
of  friendly  remembrance,  &c. 

From  the  hon.  Mr.  T.  and  Capt.  R.  I  would  most 
gladly  receive  letters,  if  they  would  take  the  trouble 
of  writing  to  me  ;  and  I  am  sure  that  I  would  highly 
value  their  communications.  But  I  am  ashamed  to 
think  how,  or  when  they  would  be  repaid,  by  any  re- 
turn, which  I  could  make  for  their  favours  done  me, 
in  this  way.  In  this  case,  however,  as  well  as  in  many 
others,  they  may  be  referred  for  satisfaction  and  com- 


334  LETTERS. 

pensation,  to  (hat  divine  maxim,  "  It  is  more  blessed 
to  give,  than  to  receive." 

You  have  not  said  a  word  too  much  about  your  chil- 
dren. Loving  the  mother  as  we  do,  we  cannot  feel  in- 
different towards  her  children,  Avho,  we  know,  must  be 
very  neap  and  dear  to  her  heart.  You  have  reason  to 
be  thankful  that  jou  could  saj  so  much  in  their  fa\our. 
All  their  other  pVomising  qualities,  and  improvements, 
it  is  hoped,  will  in  due  time,  be  crowned  by  the  grace 
of  God.  This,  you  know,  is  not  yours  to  give.  With 
a  view  to  this,  however,  you  may,  and  surely  you  will, 
continue  to  teach  them,  to  pray  for  them,  and  to  set  be- 
fore them,  an  instructive,  engaging  example.  And 
while  thus  studying  to  bring  up  for  the  Lord,  those 
dear  children  which  he  has  given  you,  and  which  you 
have  in  baptism,  already  in  the  most  solemn  manner  de- 
voted to  him;  you  may,  according  to  his  word,  with 
Jiumble  confidence  hope,  that  he  will  establish  his 
covenant  with  them,  as  the  seed  of  his  people,  and  be 
their  God,  as  he  has  been  the  God  of  their  parents,  and 
in  like  manner  bless  them,  make  them  a  blessing  in  this 
world,  and  prepare  them  for  being  for  ever  blessed  with 
all  the  redeemed  and  the  sanctified,  in  his  presence,  in 
the  world  of  glory. 

The  last  interview,  for  a  few  short  days,  of  our 
friend,  the  Rev.  Mr.  J,  with  his  family  and  friends, 
must  have  afforded  a  kind  of  melancholy  satisfaction, 
to  him  and  to  them.  With  the  event,  it  is  hoped,  he 
is  perfectly  satisfied  ;  and  his  afflicted  widow,  I  trust, 
will  find,  to  her  unspeakable  consolation,  that  the  Lord, 
is  the  God  and  husband  of  the  widow,  and  the  Father 
of  the  fatherless.  You,  no  doubt,  must  well  know  how 
to  feel  for  her,  and  to  pray  for  her. 


LETTERS,  335 

If  you  know  what  pleasure  you  would  feel  in  seeing 
113  at  Farmington,  you  may  judge  how  highly  we  would 
be  gratified  in  seeing  you  there  ;  for  on  that  occasion, 
your  feelings  would,  I  am  sure,   be   fully  reciprocated 
by  ours  ;  excepting  so  far  as  your  heart  may  be  larger 
and  more  benevolent  than  ours.     The  prospect  of  see- 
ing you  in  the  course  of  next  summer,  our  hearts  would 
most  fondly  cherish  :  but  whether  we  shall  in  this  case 
realize  our  rvlshes,  I  am  afraid  to  say,  our  ex})  eclat  ions, 
depends   entirely  on  His  will,  in   whose   hands  are   all 
our   times  ;  and    his  will   be   done  !  "  Invited,"  as    I 
know  we  are  "  by  sincerity  and  love,"  could  you  real- 
ly believe,  that  we  would  find   it  "  hard  work,"  for  us 
to  put  up  with  your  "  plain  way  of  life,"  as  you  call  it  ! 
As  /  am  a  Northern  man,  by  birth  and  education  ;  and 
as  my  wife  is  in  like  manner  an  old  English  woman,  we 
are  of  course  both  familiarized  to  manners,   and  modes 
of  living  generally,  similar   to  those  which  preTail    in 
New  England.     And  after  all  that  I  have   seen  and 
experienced,    during    a  residence   of  nearly   eighteen 
years  in  Charleston,  I  ara  still  inclined  to  think,  that  the 
best   servants   we     can   ever   have,    are    our    **  right 
hands,  and  onr  left  ;"  at  least  where  health,  habit,  and 
climate,  will  allow  us  to  employ  these  to  the  best  advan- 
tage.    From  what  you  must  have  observed  of  the  ad- 
vantages and    disadvantages  connected  with  the  num- 
bers of  that  sort  of  servants,  usually  belonging  to  fami- 
lies in  this  country,  you  could,  I  suppose,  inform  your 
good  brother,  from  whose  letter   to   you,  you  have  fa- 
voured us  with  a  valuable  extract,  that  if  he  were  living 
in  Carolina,  he  would  find  more  Canaanitesin  the  landy 
Hthan  he  has   hitherto  been  aware  of,  in  Connecticut,  or 
Vermont.     But  so  it  is  generally  ordered,  in  the  wise 


336  LETTERS. 

providence  of  God,  that  conveniencies  and  inconvenien- 
cies  are  blended  often  in  remarkable  proportion  to  each 
other,  in  most  situations  in  this  world.  A  large  pro- 
portion of  the  class  of  people  alluded  to,  seem  to  be  in 
very  close  alliance  and  correspondence,  with  the  ene- 
my in  our  hearts,  and  often  excite  very  troublesome 
commotions  there,  not  easily  controlled,  or  quelled. 
Yet  many  of  them  are  certainly  very  comfortable  and 
useful  helps  ;  at  least  in  this  climate  ;  and  many  of 
them,  I  trust,  are  now  worthy  fellow-citizens  with  the 
saints,  and  will  be  happy  inhabitants,  with  all  who  are 
redeemed  out  of  every  nation,  of  the  heavenly  Canaan. 
Yet,  I  begin  to  suspect,  that  if  we  should  be  permitted 
to  make  you  a  visit,  we  would  feel  ourselves  rather  in 
an  awkward  situation  at  Farmington  ;  not  from  the  cir- 
cumstance which  you  allege  ;  but  from  a  cause  entirely 
of  a  different  nature.  The  truth  is,  your  partiality  seems 
to  have  prompted  you  to  say,  so  much  about  our  little 
kindnesses  shewn  to  you,  and  your  own  manner  of  ex- 
pressing your  grateful,  and  friendly  sentiments  and 
feelings,  seems  to  have  gone  so  far,  in  conciliating  for  u» 
the  favourable  opinion,  and  good  will,  of  your  friends 
around  you,  that  we  can  now  scarcely  calculate  on  any 
other  result,  from  a  personal  acquaintance  with  them, 
than  a  mortifying  disappointment  on  their  part,  as  they 
must  soon  perceive,  that,  after  all  they  have  heard  of 
us,  we  are  indeed  very  poor  creatures,  rather  standing 
in  need  of  their  compassion  and  prayers,  than  having  a 
claim  to  any  high  degree  of  their  regards  and  atten- 
tions. Still,  however,  it  might  be  good  for  us,  to  be 
thus  humbled  among  you  ;  although  the  circumstance 
might  not  be  pleasing  to  our  self-love,  of  which  we  have 
more  than  enough,  in  whatever  else  we  may  be  deficient. 


LETTERS.  SSr 

How  highly  would  this  self-love  of  ours,  and  I  would 
hope,  some  better  principles  in  our  hearts,  be  gratified, 
if,  instead  of  visiting  you  at  Farmington,  we  could  have 
you  added,  permanently,  to  the  circle  of  our  friends  in 
Charleston  !  But  it  seems  to  be  otherwise  ordered,  and  I 
doubt  not  for  your  advantage.  If  infinite  wisdom  and  love, 
have  chosen  and  appointed  our  lot,  it  must  be  not  only 
right  in  itself,  but,  in  all  respects,  best  for  us.  My  dear 
Jane  will,  I  expect,  write  to  you  again  ere  long  ;  and  to 
her  pen  I  leave  the  historical  details,  which  you  might 
wish  to  receive,  respecting  friends,  and  affairs  here. 
She  has  lately  suffered  a  good  deal  from  a  pain  in  her 
ear,  but  is  now,  through  mercy,  better.  This,  I  be- 
lieve, she  felt  some  times  while  you  were  with  us,  and 
you  may  perhaps  recollect,  that  it  used  to  make  her 
feel  and  look  very  grave  ;  and  thus,  to  one  of  her  nat- 
urally lively  disposition,  it  seemed  to  have  a  good 
tendency,  and  desirable  effect.  After  all,  and  with  all 
her  infirmities,  she  possesses,  as  you  know,  many  valu- 
able qualities,  and  is  to  me  a  dear  girl,  as  she  is  a  most 
affectionate  wife,  and  friend  ;  and  next  to  her  husband, 
I  doubt  whether  there  is  any  person  in  the  world,  whom 
she  loves  better  than  yourself.  Let  us  be  remembered, 
to  friends,  as  before.  Write  soon  again,  and  as  often 
as  you  can  ;  and  assure  yourself  of  the  most  cordial  es- 
teem, and  love,  of  your  sincere  friend, 

ISAAC    S.   KEITH* 


43 


338  LETTERS. 


TO    HON.       JOHN    TREADWELL,  ] 

DEAC.    NOAH    PORTER,  j        Committee    of    tliG 

MARTIN    BULL,  Schurch  in  the  first  Soci- 

-^      THOMAS    SMITH,  and  [  ^^^  ^^  Farmington. 

SAMUEL    RieHARDS,   ES(^.  J 

CHARLESTON,    NOVEMBER  18,  180G. 
RESPECTED  GENTLEMEN,  AND  ESTEEMED  FRIENDS, 

1  HAVE  been  honored  with  your  very 
kind  and  highly  valued  letter,  under  date  the  22d  Sep- 
tember, inclosing  a  vote  of  jour  church,  in  F.  which 
thej  had  been  pleased  to  adopt  and  to  commit  to  your 
care,  for  the  purpose  of  conveying  to  me,  "  their  grateful 
sense  and  acknowledgment  of  my  friendly  attentions 
to  Mrs.  W.  a  sister  of  said  church,  in  her  afflicted  and 
mourning  state,  during  her  residence  in  my  family." 

This  vote  of  the  church,  and  the  sentiments  corres- 
ponding with  the  spirit  of  it,  expressed  in  your  letter 
which  covered  it,  are  truly  gratifying  to  my  feelings  | 
while  they  are,  at  the  same  time,  adapted  deeply  to 
humble  me,  under  a  consciousness  that  I  am  by  no  means 
entitled  to  such  a  very  respectful  and  honorable  notice 
of  those  little  services,  which  I  had  attempted  to  ren- 
der to  one  of  the  dear  family  of  our  blessed  Lord,  and 
a  very  worthy  sister,  indeed,  of  your  church,  which  his 
wise  and  good  providence  had  placed  for  a  short  time 
in  my  family.  To  receive  a  stranger,  of  her  amiable 
character,  and  in  her  very  affiicting  circumstances, 
mourning  under  the  recent  and  heavy  loss  of  her  best 
mortal  friend,  and  earthly  support,  to  such  accommoda- 


LETTERS.  839 

tions  as  our  habitation  could  afford,  and  to  assure  her  of 
the  most  cordial  welcome,  by  such  expressions  of  chris- 
tian sympathy  and  love,  as  v>^ere  within  our  power,  was 
so  plainly  our  duly,  according  to  the  principles  and 
rules  of  the  gospel,  as  well  as  the  sentiments  and  dic- 
tates of  humanity,  that  there  was  no  room  left  for  us,  in 
this  case,  to  hesitate  for  a  moment,  as  to  the  part  which 
we  were  called  to  act ;  and  while  endeavouring  to  fulfil 
the  obligations  of  so  obvious  a  duty,  we  soon  found,  and 
from  day  to  day,  more  and  more  experienced,  in  Mrs, 
W's  very  agreeable  and  improving  society,  some  of  the 
most  pleasing  gratifications,  of  which  an  heart  of  genuine 
sensibility  is  capable. 

I  trust,  my  worthy  friends,  that  I  am  not  altogether 
a  stranger  to  the  influence  of  that  most  excellent,  that 
divine  sentiment  or  maxim,  worthy  of  its  adorable  au- 
thor, that  "/;  is  better  to  give  than  to  receive  ;^^  and 
that  I  am  not  entirely  regardless  of  His  most  conde- 
scending and  munificent  grace,  "  who  has  promised  a 
rich  and  everlasting  reward  to  those  that  shall  give  to 
drink  to  one  of  his  little  ones,  even  a  cup  of  cold  water, 
in  the  name  of  a  disciple.  But  how  often  have  I  been 
led  to  reflect,  and  to  say,  "can  /  pretend  to  this  hlesS' 
edness,  and  claim  this  reward^  when  I  know  that  a  spi- 
rit of  selfishness  so  greatly  debases  all  the  little  that  I 
do,  which,  in  the  eye  of  a  partial  friend,  may  look  like 
christian  benevolence  ?  In  the  case  now  in  view, 
whether  the  principles  of  my  conduct  were  such  as  the 
spirit  of  Christ  inspires,  and  his  gospel  enjoins  and 
sanctions,  and  therefore  such  as  will  authorize  the  be- 
lief and  hope,  that  according  to  the  constitution  and 
the  provisions  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  I  may  safely 
look  within  for  an  approving  conscience,  and  look  up 


^40  LETTERS. 

to  an  approving  God,  is  a  question  which  I  feel  injself 
not  competent  to  decide.  I  know,  however,  that  in 
what  I  did,  which  was,  I  doubt  not,  far  less  than  what  I 
ought  to  have  done,  I  felt  a  satisfaction  and  pleasure, 
which  were  more  than  an  abundant  equivalent,  for  the 
little  which  was  done;  and  in  these  sentiments  and  feel- 
ings, those  of  Mrs.  K.  have,  as  I  believe,  fully  co-incid- 
ed  with  my  own. 

On  this  subject,  indeed,  one  of  ray  most  intimate  and 
highly  esteemed  christian  friends,  not  very  long  ago,  af- 
ter reading  one  of  Mrs.  W's  letters,  observed,  that  if 
we  had  been  permitted  to  form  a  plan  for  obtaining  the 
most  desirable  addition  to  our  social  and  domestic  com- 
forts, we  could  not  possibly  have  chosen  better  for  our- 
selves, than  the  wisdom  of  our  gracious  Lord  had  al- 
ready chosen  for  us,  in  bringing  Mrs.  W.  into  our  fami- 
ly, and  detaining  her  there  during  the  short  season 
which  she  spent  wilh  us.  When  she  left  us,  we  felt 
that  we  were  separated  from  a  friend,  who  was  among 
those  most  near  and  dear  to  our  hearts,  and  wilh  whom 
we  might  probably  never  meet  again  in  this  world  ;  yet 
consoled  with  the  hope,  if  that  hope  we  might  venture 
to  cherish,  of  meeting,  never  to  part,  in  a  better  world  ; 
where  christian  love  and  friendship  are  perfected,  and 
where  the  joy  and  pleasure,  resulting  from  this  source, 
and  that  infinitely  higher  source,  the  love  and  favour  of 
our  God  and  Saviour,  shall  never  be  interrupted,  but 
shall  be  ever  full,  and  ever  growing,  through  all  the 
ages  of  a  blessed  and  glorious  immortality  ! 

But  I  must  check  a  roving  pen,  which  never  knows 
where  to  stop,  when  employed  on  a  pleasing,  interest- 
ing subject.  Allow  me  only  to  add,  on  this  subject, 
that  the  well  meant,  but   too  flattering  expressions  of 


LETTERS.  341 

the  sense,  entertained  by  the  churcb  and  their  commit- 
tee, of  aiy  poor  and  very  defective  labour  of  love,  in 
the  iilstance  alluded  to,  though  very  grateful  to  my 
feelings,  on  my  own  account,  have  been  still  far  more 
pleasing  to  me,  as  they  have  exhibited  the  satisfactory 
evidence,  of  the  mutual  esteem  and  regard,  cherished 
by  the  church,  and  by  Mrs,  W.  for  each  other;  and 
particularly  as  they  have  manifested  the  disposition  of 
the  church,  thus  to  honor  one  of  their  members,  who 
was  doubly  related  to  them,  in  sacred  and  peculiarly  in- 
teresting ties  ;  and  who,  from  the  dissolution  of  one  of 
those  ties,  which  was  in  its  nature,  particularly  endear- 
ing, now  shares  much  more  deeply  than  any  other  mem- 
ber, in  the  heavy  affliction  with  which  the  church  has 
been  visited,  by  the  removal  of  their  late  worthy  pas- 
tor, her  dear  husband,  and  the  excellent  father  of  her 
now  fatherless  children.  The  Husband  of  the  widorv, 
and  the  Father  of  the  fatherless,  will,  1  trust,  be  found 
a  most  kind  and  faithful  friend,  whowill  never  leave  or 
forsake  her,  or  her  dear  babes  ;  so  that  in  Him  they 
may  still  have  an  all-sufficient  portion,  that  will  never 
fail  them. 

With  respect  to  your  bereaved  church,  I  am  much 
gratified  in  hearing,  that  you  have  the  pleasing  prospect 
of  soon  again  enjoying  the  stated  ministrations  of  the 
gospel,  and  administration  of  its  ordinances,  under  the 
pastoral  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  P.  whose  talents  and  pie- 
ty, and  respectable  character,  under  the  influence  of 
his  providence  and  grace,  in  ?i7i05e  hands  are  the  hearts 
and  the  times  of  all  men,  have  concurred  to  produce 
that  cordial  unanimity,  with  which  he  has  been  invited 
to  take  upon  him  the  arduous,  and  awfully  responsible, 
cliarge  of  the  Immortal  souls,  belonging  to  your  church 


342  LETTERS. 

and  congregafion.  If  it  shall  please  the  great  Head  of 
the  church,  to  favour  his  ultimate  settlement  with  you, 
in  the  pastoral  relation,  may  the  important  connexion 
be  crowned  by  His  blessing,  to  the  luufiial,  everlasting 
comfort,  of  pastor  and  people,  in  the  day  of  his  final, 
glorious  appearing,  to  judge  the  world  in  righteousness, 
to  punish  with  an  everlasting  destruction  from  his  pres- 
ence, those  who  have  not  known  God,  nor  obeyed  the 
gospel  of  Christ ;  but  to  be  glorified  in  his  saints,  and 
admired  in  all,  who  have  believed  ;  and  who,  under  the 
influence  of  their  faith,  and  in  the  course  of  a  sincere, 
cheerful,  and  persevering  obedience  to  the  gospel, 
have  looked  for  the  mercy  of  their  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
unto  eternal  life. 

I  have  taken  the  liberty  of  sending  to  Mrs.  W.  un- 
der cover  to  Mr.  R.  a  copy  of  my  sermon,  which  was 
lately  preached  here,  and  which  was,  in  a  manner,  ex- 
torted from  me,  in  order  to  its  being  more  extensively 
communicated  to  tlie  public,  through  the  press.  To 
any  friend,  who  may  wish  to  have  the  perusal  of  this 
plain  discourse,  Mrs.  W.  will,  no  doubt,  readily  allow 
the  use  of  it,  for  that  purpose. 

You  see,  my  worthy  friends,  that  instead  of  undertak- 
ing to  make  a  respectful,  formal  acknowledgment  of,  and 
reply  to,  the  very  flattering  vote  of  your  church,  with 
which  they  have  been  pleased  to  honor  me  ;  I  have 
used  those  freedoms,  in  writing  to  their  respectable 
committee,  which  I  am  accustomed  to  take  in  my  epis» 
tolary  communications  to  my  familiar  friends.  This  lib- 
erty will,  I  hope,  be  candidly  excused  ;  and  I  doubt 
Dot  that  you  will  kindly  communicate,  to  the  church,  so 
much  of  the  contents  of  this  long  letter,  as  in  your  judg- 
ment, you  may  think  proper  to  be  imparted  5  and  that 


LETTERS.  343 

you  will  do  this,  in  the  mode  that  may  be  most  eligible, 
and  acceptable. 

This  has  been  delayed,  much  beyond  my  wishes  ; 
partly  on  account  of  a  more  than  ordinary  pressure  of 
business,  especially  of  writing,  and  partly  with  a  view 
to  ascertain,  that  I  might  inform  you,  of  the  amount  of 
subscriptions  for  Mr.  Ws  sermons,  which  you  are  to 
expect  from  this  quarter.  The  names  of  the  numerous 
patrons  of  this  worthy  undertaking,  which  appear  on 
the  paper  in  my  hands,  I  will  endeavour  to  transcribe 
and  send  forward,  within  the  course  of  two  or  three 
weeks.  Be  assured,  my  christian  brethren,  and  be  so 
good  as  to  assure  the  church,  which  you  represent, 
that  I  am  with  great  esteem,  and  as  I  hope,  in  the  sa- 
cred ties  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  our  Lord  and  Saviour, 
your  and  their  sincere  and  affectionate  friend,  and  fel- 
low servant, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITHi 


t^4 


TO  MRS.    Wi 

CHARLESTON,   JANUARY    20,    180f. 

The  last  letter  received  from  you,  our  very 
dear  friend,  is  under  the  dates  November  2oth,  and 
December  5th,  1806  ;  and  like  all  the  others,  with 
which  you  have  favoured  us,  it  has  been  read  by  us^ 
and  also  by  some  other  friends,  with  a  very  lively  in- 
terest, and  cordial  pleasure,  and  as  I  would  hope,  not 
without  some  spiritual  improvement.  We  have  only  to 
regret,  that  we  are  so  seldom  indulged,  with  the  pecu- 
liar satisfaction,  which  the  perusal  of  your  letters  never 


344 


LETTERS* 


falls  to  afford.  But  considering  the  distance  of  our  sltu- 
alions,  and  the  variety  and  multiplicity  of  our  respec- 
tive engagements,  &c.  &c.  these  communications  cannot 
reasonably  be  expected,  to  be  as  fuequcnt,  as  friendship 
and  affection  would  wish.  We  are,  I  am  confident, 
respectively,  sincerely  disposed  to  do  much  more, 
and  better,  in  this  case,  as  well  as  in  many  other 
instances,  than  we  find  ourselves  able  actually  to  per-^ 
form.  May  it  not  then  su65ce,  as  a  kind  of  general, 
standing  apology,  for  those  delays  which  occur  betweea 
the  receipt  and  the  answer  of  a  letter;  that  these  we 
would  not  allow,  if  they  could  be  well  avoided  ? 

Three  weeks  have  now  passed,  since  your  favour, 
above  noticed,  came  to  hand.  It  had  been  long  expect- 
ed ;  and  though  not  in  itself  short,  yet  it  seemed  to  be 
much  too  soon  read  through,  and  through  again.  Not- 
withstanding, what  I  have  hinted  on  the  subject  of  apol- 
ogizing, I  feel  as  if  I  could  not  help  telling  you,  that  I 
have  been  prevented,  from  attempting  an  earlier  ac- 
knowledgment of  it,  partly  by  a  pressure  of  business, 
•which  is  generally  the  case,  in  a  more  than  usual  de- 
gree, about  the  commencement  of  the  year  ;  and  partly 
by  indisposition  ;  but  for  these  circumstances,  I  should, 
long  ere  this,  have  undertaken  to  thank  you,  for  your 
long  and  excellent  letter  ;  and  to  reproach  you  for  your 
unkindness,  in  withholding  it  so  long  from  us  ;  though, 
I  am  sure,  that  you  do  not  deserve  a  word  of  rebuke  on 
this  account.  Friendship,  however,  usually  expecting 
too  much,  provides  for  itself  many  disappointments  ; 
and  then  feels  a  curious  kind  of  sweet  revenge,  in  blam- 
ing those  whom  it  most  tenderly  loves,  for  inflicting  the 
'pains  which  it  suffers,  from  its  own  faults  and  follieg. 


LETTERS.  345 

During  the  long  intervals,  which  take  place  between 
(he  periods  of  writing  and  receiving  letters,  our  spirits 
are  often  with  yours,  participating  in  the  remembrance 
of  seasons  past,  in  the  feeling  of  present  circumstances, 
and  in  realizing  the  prospect  which  the  light  of  heaven 
presents  to  christian  faith,  not  only  through  the  check- 
ered, contracted  landscape  of  this  mortal  life,   but  into 
the  boundless  scenes  of  eternity,  of  a  blessed  and  glo- 
rious immortality.     What  a  privilege  and  salisfaction, 
that,  though  far  absent  in  body,  we  may  yet  be  present 
in  spirit,  beholding  and   sharing   each  other's  state  and 
interests,  temporal,  spiritual,  and  eternal  !  and  that,  es- 
pecially, we  may  in  the  name,  and    through  the  media- 
tion  of  our   common   Lord   and    Saviour,  ineet  at  the 
throne   of  grace,  and  there  seek  and  obtain  mercy  and 
grace  for  each  other,  as  well  as  for  ourselves,  accord- 
ing to  our  several  circu  .istances  of  want,  of  dutj',  and 
of  trial,  in  the  course   of  our  pilgrimage  towards  that 
rest,  which   remaineth   for    the   people    of  God  ;  into 
■which  no   sin,  or  sorrow  shall  follow  them  ;  and  in  the 
enjoyment   of  which,   all   their  capacities   and  desires, 
shall   be   filled    with   all  the  fulness  of  God  !    That  we 
may  meet  you  and  others,  who  have  been  and  are  most 
dear   to  you,   in    that  blessed  world,  to  review,  in  the 
light  of  glory,  the  scenes    of  earth   and  time,  of  provi- 
dence  and  grace,  and  to  rejoice  and  triumph  together, 
in  the   perfections,  the  works,  and  the  praises,  of  God 
our  Saviour  for  ever.     Pray   for  us,  wilh  the  peculiar 
tenderness  and  fervor  of  christian  love  ;  and  pray  for 
us,  without  ceasing. 

Your  description  of  the  solemn  and  interesting  scene 
of  Mr,  P's  ordination  to  the  gospel  ministry,  in  order  to 

liis  becoming  connected,  in  the  pastoral  relation,  with 
44 


546  LETTERS. 

the  church,  in  which  your  late  worthy  and  dear  hus- 
band, for  a  number  of  years,  exercised  his  ministry  so 
faithfully  and  zealously,  so  honorably  to  himself,  and  so 
usefully  to  his  people,  and  from  the  labours  of  which 
he  has  been  removed  to  the  joy  of  his  Lord,  is  worthy 
of  your  heart,  and  of  your  pen  ;  and  has  excited  in  the 
hearts  of  your  friends  here,  emotions  of  sympathy,  seri- 
ous and  tender  in  their  nature,  somewhat  correspond- 
ent, though,  in  their  degree,  they  may  be  much  inferior, 
to  your  own.  It  is  not  at  all  surprising,  that  such  a  so- 
lemnity should  have  been,  at  once,  "  pleasant  and 
mournful  to  your  soul.'*  By  a  spirit  of  piety  and  sen- 
sibility like  your=5,  and  circumstanced  as  you  were, 
both  the  pleasant  and  the  mournful  impressions  natural- 
ly produced  by  the  occasion,  must  have  been  deeply 
felt  indeed;  while  conlemplating,  on  the  one  hand,  the 
desirable  privileges  and  hopes,  to  which  the  bereaved 
church  was  thus  restored  ;  and  while,  on  the  other  hand, 
dwelling  on  ibe  affecting  recollection  of  past  events, 
which  had  called  them  and  you  to  mourn  together. 
May  the  same  blessed  Lord  and  Saviour,  who,  when 
he  calls  home  one  and  another  of  his  faithful  servants, 
that  they  may  enter  into  his  joy,  still  provide  for  his 
church  a  succession  of  pastors  and  teachers,  be  still 
found  by  you,  the  husband  of  the  widow,  and  the  father 
of  your  fatherless  children,  and  by  his  gracious  pres- 
ence and  abundant  consolations,  fill  the  great  void, 
which  his  holy  bereaving  hand,  with  the  wisest  de- 
signs and  for  the  most  salutary  purposes,  has  made  in 
your  affectionate  heart,  and  in  your  dearest  social  com- 
forts ! 

Vain  wish  !  yet   I  cannot   help  wishing,  that  I  had 
been  present,  to  see  what  you  saw,  and  to  hear  what 


LETTERS.  347 

you  heard,  on  that  solemn  and  tender  occasion.  Such 
an  assemblage  of  the  worthy  and  pious  ministers  of 
Christ,  and  of  devout  worshippers,  and  engaged  specta- 
tors and  hearers  ;  such  serious  and  interesting  transac- 
tions, such  instructive,  impressive  discourses,  and  such 
excellent,  arTecting,  elevating  psahnody,  as  you  de- 
scribe, would  I  am  sure,  have  afforded  a  very  peculiar 
gratification  to  my  feelings,  and  might,  I  hope,  have  con- 
tributed something  to  my  spiritual  improvement.  So 
many  people,  thronging  the  courts  of  the  Lord's  house, 
and  engaging  in  the  exercises  of  his  worship,  with  atten- 
tive minds,  and  so  many  of  the  cordial  friends  of  Zion, 
and  especially  of  the  faithful  brethren  in  the  gospel 
ministry,  uniting  with  christian  love  and  zeal,  and  har- 
mony in  their  efforts  to  promote  each  other's  edification, 
and  to  build  up  the  church  of  Christ,  and  advance  its 
peace  and  prosperity  ;  how  pleasing,  how  animating  the 
scene,  to  every  heart  which  loves  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  in  sincerity,  and  which  prefers  the  success  of 
his  cause,  the  triumphs  of  his  cross,  to  its  chiefest 
earthly  joy  !  There  are,  1  trust,  many  hearts  here, 
which  would  rejoice  in  witnessing  such  a  scene,  in  all  its 
solemn  delightful  circumstc;nces,  if  Providence  should 
furnish  the  peculiar  occasion  ;  and,  in  beholding,  on 
more  ordinary  occasions,  the  like  evidences  and  fruits 
of  brotherly  love,  and  of  the  communion  of  churches, 
as  well  as  of  individual  christians.  But  for  such  affec- 
tionate, profitable  and  sweet  fellowship  in  the  gospel, 
even  in  proportion  to  the  smaller  number  of  ministers 
and  christians  here,  we  seera,  at  presenf,  rather  left  to 
sigh  and  pray,  than  to  hope  with  any  high  degree  of 
cheering  anticipation.  Oh,  happy  families,  societies, 
and  churches,  and  associations  of  ministers,  with  whom 
the  God  of  love  and  peace,  condescends  to  dwell  !  And 


348  LETTERS. 

since  he  appears  so  evidently  io  have  honored  jour 
branch  of  his  chuixh  with  the  distinguishing  tokens  of 
his  favour,  and  manifestations  of  his  presence,  especial- 
ly while  engaged  in  so  eminently  serious  ar?d  interest- 
ing a  transaction,  as  that  of  forming  a  connexion  with  a 
pastor,  whose  ministrations,  may  most  deeply  and 
extensively  affect  their  spiritual  and  eternal  concerns; 
with  what  consoling  reflections,  and  animating  hope, 
should  you  all  now  adopt,  and  sing  to  his  praise,  the 
words  which  his  own  spirit  has  indited  for  you  I 
"  For  a  small  moment,  have  1  forsaken  thee,  but 
with  great  mercies  will  I  gather  thee.  In  a  lit- 
tle wrath  I  hid  my  face  from  thee,  for  a  moment  ;  but 
w^ith  everlasting  kindness  will  I  have  mercy  on  thee, 
saith  the  Lord  thy  Redeemer."*'  May  the  endearing 
union  that  has  now  taken  place  between  the  worthy  pas- 
tor and  the  worthy  people  of  his  charge,  be  long  contin- 
ued, with  mutual  affection  and  satisfaction,  and  be  still, 
and  more  and  more,  crowned  with  the  smiles  and  the 
blessings  of  the  adorable  and  gracious  Hfad  of  the- 
chnrch,  to  the  glory  of  his  own  name,  and  to  the  present 
great  benefit  and  comfort,  and  the  future,  everlasting 
joy,  of  all  concerned  !  It  is  truly  pleasing  to  hear  of 
the  appearances  of  "a  solemnity  on  the  minds  of  some 
of  the  dear  youth  among  you,  and  of  some  of  them  hav- 
ing recently  embraced  religion.'*  Such  appearances, 
are,  alas  !  rarely  indeed  seen  among  us,  at  present ;  al- 
though we  have  reason  still  to  be  thankful  for  some 
consoling  tokens,  that  our  Lord  has  not  yet  forsaken 
this  part  of  his  Zion.  A  few,  and  but  a  few  indeed, 
compared  with  some  former  seasons,  have,  during  the 
summer  and  fall  past,  been  added  to  our  church.     We 

*  Isaiah,  liv.  7,  8. 


I.ETTERS.  84§ 

have  reason  to  be  humbled  and  to  lament,  that  instances 
of  this  nature  occur  so  rarely.  But  if  He,  who  heareth 
prayer,  and  euiinentlj'  delights  to  glorify  himself  in  ac- 
complishing his  work  of  grace,  while  he  honors  his  peo- 
ple, as  the  instruments  by  which  he  carries  it  on,  if  He 
gives  us  the  heart  to  pray  and  labour  for  the  revival  of 
it,  we  may  then  encourage  the  hope,  that  our  eyes  may 
be  permitted  to  see  a  more  glorious  display  of  his  sal- 
vation ;  when  these  few  scattering  drops  shall  be  in- 
creased to  a  plentiful  shower  ;  and  when  his  spirit  shall 
be  poured  down  fjom  on  high  in  an  abundant  supply 
of  his  convincing,  renewing,  and  saving  influences.  In 
the  desirable  effects  of  such  an  effusion  of  the  spirit  of 
grace,  manifested  in  the  re\  ival  of  christians,  and  the 
awakening  and  conversion  of  sinners,  we  have  at  once 
the  most  cheering  assurance,  and  the  most  pleasing 
glimpse,  of  the  glory  of  the  approaching  millenial  day  ; 
to  which  your  deiii^hted  imagination  has  been  borne 
forward,  on  wings  far  more  rapid,  than  those  of  time, 
and  quickened,  probably,  by  the  impulse  of  sacred 
pleasure,  which  you  have  felt,  from  the  solemn  pleas- 
ing scenes,  which  you  have  lately  witnessed  in  Far- 
mington.  Blessed  will  be  the  eyes,  which  shall  see, 
with  holy  delight,  the  long  desired  day,  when  the 
church  shall  be  established,  and  be  a  praise  in  all  the 
earth!  But  still  more  blessed  will  be  the  spirits  of  the 
redeemed,  who  shall  then  be  in  possession  of  the  hea- 
venly kingdom,  purchased  and  prepared  for  them, 
"where,  in  an  unspeakably  superior  light,  they  shall  be- 
hold the  glory  of  their  Lord,  in  all  the  triumphs  of  his 
cross  below,  and  in  all  the  fruits  of  the  travail  of  his 
soul,  on  high  !  Shall  we  meet  there,  and  soon  ?  O  trans- 
porting prospect  !   But  may  my  hope  prove  fallacious 


S50  LETTERS. 

and  delush^e  !  Lord,  search   me  and   fry  rue,  and  lead 
me  in  (he  way  everlasling,  and  give  me  the  hope  which 
is  in  Christ,  who  is  in  every  believer,  the  hope  of  glory  ! 
The  Lord  bless  you,  and  yours, 

ISAAC    B.    KEITH. 


TO    MRS.    B.    OF    B T. 

CHARLESTON,   AUGUST,    I80r. 

^^iNCE  I  have  heard  of  the  renewed  and 
great  affliction,  with  which  it  has  pleased  the  Lord  to 
visit  you,  my  worthy  friend,  together  with  your  family, 
connexions  and  friends,  by  the  death  of  your  amiable 
and  excellent  daughter,  Mrs.  C.  I  have  sincerely  and 
tenderly  felt  for  you,  and  for  those  who  suffer  with  you, 
under  this  painfully  bereaving  stroke  of  your  heavenly 
Father's  hand.  The  feelings  and  the  friendship  which 
dispose  me  to  weep  with  you,  and  with  them,  in  your 
present  sorrows,  have  induced  me  to  attempt,  in  this 
way,  at  once  to  express  my  sympathy,  and  to  shew 
my  good  will  to  contribute  something,  if  it  may  be  only 
as  a  mite,  to  your  consolation. 

But  what  is  to  be  expected  from  my  poor  instrumen- 
tality, in  a  case,  in  which  the  best  of  human  friends, 
would  in  themselves  prove  miserable  comforters  ?  All, 
indeed,  that  I  could  think  of  saying,  and  much  more 
than  I  can  now  suggest,  must,  I  am  persuaded,  have  al- 
ready and  frequently  occurred  to  your  own  reflections, 
while  meditating  on  the  perfections,  the  works,  the 
ways,  and  the  word  of  God,  with  the  aid  of  his  good 
spirit,  enabling  you  to   understand  in   part,   at  least. 


LETTERS.  351 

what  he  has  done  in  this  instance  ;  although  jou  will 
never  fully  know  it,  nor  be  able  to  comprehend  all  the 
wisdom  and  love  included  in  this  mystery  of  Provi- 
dence, till  you  are  brought  to  see  and  contemplate  it  in 
the  light  of  heaven  and  eternity.  Nor  can  I  now  hope 
to  be  the  minister  of  instruction,  or  of  comfort  to  you, 
except  by  recalling  to  your  renierabrance  and  attention, 
those  things  which  you  already  know  ;  and  by  uniting 
my  prayers  with  your  own,  and  those  of  other  friends, 
that  you  may  be  favoured  wilh  a  still  larger  measure  of 
the  illuminaling,  sanctifying,  supporting  grace  of  the 
Divine  Comforter  ;  and  that  the  same  holy  hand  which 
"  has  taken  away  the  desire  of  your  eyes  with  a  stroke,'* 
niay  kindly  bind  up  jhe  heart  that  has  been  broken  by 
it,  and  is  in  danger  of  bleeding  long  under  it. 

I  am  well  aware  that  a  parent,  a  mother  alone,  can 
fully  estimate  the  loss  which  you  have  sustained,  by  the 
removal  of  a  daughter,  such  as  yours  was  ;  while  yet 
in  the  bloom  of  youth,  and  just  entered  upon  the  mar- 
riage stare,  and  in  circumstances,  which,  in  every  view, 
seemed  to  favour  the  fond  hope,  that  this  dear  object 
of  the  tenderest  affections,  and  source  of  so  many  satis- 
factions, might  have  been  still  enjoyed,  through  a  se- 
ries of  happy  years,  with  a  still  growing  attachment 
and  delight.  From  my  short  acquaintance  wilh  her, 
however,  and  from  what  I  have  learned,  in  the  house 
of  mourning  myself,  I  think  I  know  how  to  enter,  in 
some  measure,  into  your  sorrows. 

The  last  time  of  my  being  in  company  with  your 
daughter,  was,  I  believe,  at  my  own  house,  where,  a 
little  before  her  return  to  Beaufort,  she  spent  two  or 
three  hours  of  a  forenoon.  Mrs.  K.  and  myself,  were 
at  that  time  also  favoured  with  the  company  of  Mrs.  W. 


352  LETTERS^ 

who  spent  the  •winter  with  us,  and  of  whose  amiable 
character  and  exemplary  piet  v,  and  great  afBiction  from 
the  death  of  her  husband,  a  most  worthy  and  useful 
minister  of  the  gospel,  you  have  no  doubt  heard,  through 
my  communications  to  Dr.  F.  To  all  of  us,  those  short 
hours  were  truly  pleasant,  and  I  hope,  in  some  degree, 
mutually  improving.  Mrs.  W.  who  is  herself  an  orna- 
ment of  her  sex,  and  of  her  christian  profession,  ex- 
pressed herself  highly  pleased  indeed  with  your  love- 
Jy  daughter  ;  and  we  were  all  united  in  the  sentiment, 
that  there  was  rarely  to  be  found,  so  pleasing  an  assem- 
blage of  the  chartns  of  youth  and  beauty,  of  a  fine  and 
well  culti\ated  understanding,  of  sweetness  of  temper, 
and  friendly,  social  dispositions,  and  of  easy,  engaging 
manners,  all  crowned  by  the  sanctifving  grace  of  God, 
which  gives  the  highest  improvement  to  all  that  is  val- 
uable in  human  nature,  and  the  brightest  lustre  to  (he 
brightest  and  most  amiable  character.  Pardon  me,  the 
freedom  of  these  observations.  They  flow  from  the 
sentiments  of  affection  and  truth,  in  my  heart,  while 
they  may  suggest  ideas,  or  recollections,  at  once 
**  mournful  and  pleasant  to  your  soul," 

How  little  was  it  then  realized,  perhaps,  by  any  of 
us,  that  all  that  was  immortal  in  all  this  excellence,  was 
So  soon  to  be  transferred  to  that  blessed  world,  where 
the  spirits  of  the  redeemed  are  made  perfect,  and  the 
work  of  grace  is  finished  in  glory  !  How  affecting  the 
thought,  that  this  is  now  a  solemn  reality  !  And  when 
your  memory  and  imagination,  sometimes  more  officious 
than  friendly,  shall  again  and  again  present  her  lovely 
image  to  your  view,  shall  place  before  you,  the  pleas- 
ing features  of  her  animated  and  expressive  counte- 
nance, and  shall  bring  back  those  many  interesting  sea- 


LETTERS.  353 

sons  of  conversation,  when  "  she  opened  her  mouth 
with  witsdoa),  and  in  her  tongue  was  the  law  of  kindness," 
and  shall  retrace  that  worthy  course  of  conduct,  in 
which  every  action  was  but  a  renewed  expression  of 
love  and  duty  :  the  sweet  illusion  will  for  a  moment 
be  enjoyed,  as  if  a  real  interview  were  again  allowed. 
But  ah  !  that  sweet  illusion  van-shes  before  the  re- 
flections of  the  succeeding  moment  !  And  then  the 
thought,  Oh  !  the  painful  thought,  that  here  you  shall 
see  her  face  no  more,  will  again  fill  your  heart  with 
sorrow  :  with  sorrow  breaking  in  upon  it  like  a  flood, 
threatening  to  swallow  up  every  rising  pleasure  of  the 
memory  or  the  fancy,  and  every  comfort  with  which 
reason  and  grace  had  begun  to  supply  the  mighty 
void  in  "  the  heart,  which  has  been  made  desolate  within 
you."  But  when  these  waves  and  billows  are  thus  go- 
ing over  you  ;  if  you  would  not  allow  yourself  to  sink 
under  their  overwhelming  pressure,  I  need  not  tell  you, 
for  you  well  know,  that  your  views  must  be  directed, 
and  your  application  be  made,  in  faith  and  hope,  and 
with  prayer  to  your  Lord  and  Saviour,  who  alone  is 
able  to  relieve  and  help  and  deliver  you  ;  and  who 
will  be  found  as  ready,  as  he  is  able,  to  rebuke  the 
threatening  storm,  to  still  the  raging  sea,  and  by  his 
word  of  power  and  mercy,  to  speak  the  tempestuous 
scene,  the  tumultuous  emotions  of  your  soul  cast  down, 
and  disfpiieted  within  you,  into  a  great  and  desirable 
calm. 

At  all  times,  indeed,  but  more  especially  in  such  sea- 
sons of  distress,  how  great,  how  precious  must  you  feel 
the  privilege  of  being  authorized  and  enabled,  to  call 
upon  your  soul  io  return  to  its  rest  in  your  Lord,  your 

Redeemer,  and  your  God,   into  whose  hands  you  have 
45 


354  LETTERS. 

committed  it,  aiicf  to  whose  di^sposal  you  have  surren- 
dered jour  all  ;  assured  that  in  Ilim  jou  will  find  a 
safe  refuge,  and  a  satisfying  portion  in  the  land  of  the 
living  ;  that  you  will  find  his  strength  made  perfect  in 
your  weakness,  and  his  grace  made  sufficient  for  you, 
and  that  when,  in  the  world  you  have  tribulation  or 
distress,  he  will  give  you  peace  in  hinaself,  a  peace 
which  no  smiles  of  creatures,  or  comforts  of  a  worldly 
nature  can  ever  give  ;  and  which,  is  often  most  fully 
enjoyed,  when  our  comforts  from  creatures,  and  from 
the  world,  have  sunk  to  the  lowest  ebb.  And  how 
consoling,  how  animating,  must  you  feel  the  belief  and 
the  persuasion,  that  as  he  performelh  and  ordereth  all 
things  for  you  ;  so,  "  he  doth  all  things  well,"  and  well 
for  you,  and  will  make  all  things  work  together  for 
your  good  ! 

Although  then,  you  are  called  to  lament  the  early 
death  of  a  most  pleasant  child,  of  a  most  desirable 
daughter,  qualified  to  be  a  most  agreeable  and  useful 
friend,  in  the  natural  and  in  the  spiritual  life  ;  is  it  not 
enough,  that  the  Lord  your  God  and  Saviour,  still 
liveth  and  changeth  not,  and  that  in  him  you  have  an  all 
sufficient  friend;  ever  disposed  to  be  touched  with  the 
feelings  of  all  your  infirmities  and  sorrows  ;  to  pity, 
support,  and  help  you  under  all  your  trials,  and  most 
true  and  faithful  to  his  own  sacred  and  inviolable  word 
ef  promise,  by  which  he  has  engaged,  that  he  will  never 
leave  you,  nor  forsake  you  ? 

And  while  reflecting  upon  your  loss  in  the  dear  ob- 
ject, which  he  has  removed,  you  think  again  and  again, 
what  she  was  in  herself,  as  a  creature,  and  as  a  subject 
of  renewing  grace,  and  what  she  was  to  you  in  the  ten- 
derest  ties  of  nature,  and   of  christian  friendship,  you 


JLETTBRS.  36^ 

feel  yourself  led  to  weep  again  and  again,  and  still  lo 
bedew  her  endeared  name,  with  fresh  tears  of  a^ection- 
ate,  fender,  painful  recollection  ;  must  you  not  at  the 
same  time,  find  those  tears  mingled  and  sweetened  with 
rich  ai]d  strong  consolation,  when  you  consider,  that 
your  Lord  hath  done  it,  who  hath  the  most  absolute  right 
to  do  with  and  for  his  own,  whatever  seemeth  good  in 
his  own  sight,  and  wlio  knew  infinitely  better  than 
yourself,  what  was  best  for  you  and  for  her  ;  and  hath 
given  you  in  this  instance,  every  reason  for  submission 
and  satisfaction,  for  acknowledging  and  saying,  with  an 
humble,  grateful,  adoring  heart,  "  It  is  welW 

It  has,  I  trust,  been  indeed  well  for  you,  that  your 
faith  should  be  tried  in  this  furnace  of  affliction,  in  or- 
der to  its  being  found,  to  your  own  greater  comfort,  and 
for  the  proportionably  greater  benefit  of  those  who 
look  to  you  for  an  example,  unto  praise,  and  honor,  and 
glory,  in  some  desirable  measure  now,  as  well  as  more 
fully  and  conspicuously  &:  the  appearing  of  Jesus 
Christ  ;  while  under  the  influence  of  it,  and  in  humble 
imitation  of,  and  in  conformity  to  the  faith  of  Abraham, 
the  father  of  the  faithful,  you  have  given  up,  have  you 
not  ?  some  of  your  favourite  and  dearest  comforts  to 
the  Lord,  without  a  murmuring  word  or  thought,  but 
saying  from  the  heart,  Father,  not  my  will,  but  thine  be 
done  !  And  again,  "  The  Lord  hath  given,  and  the  Lord 
hath  taken  away,  and  still  blessed  be  the  name  of  the 
Lord  I"  And  while  by  this  renewed  and  great  trial, 
your  love,  your  delight,  your  hope,  have  been  disen- 
gaged more  and  more,  (have  they  not  ?)  from  all  crea- 
tures, and  more  stedfastly  fixed  on  the  Creator,  who  is 
blessed  for  ever,  and  the  overflowing,  unfailing  fountain 


356 


LETTERS. 


of  blessedness,  {o  all  those  whose  trust  is  placed  in  him, 
and  whose  expectations  are  formed  from  him. 

And  lo  your  faith  thus  tried,  and  proved,  and  strength- 
ened, and  increased,  does  it  still  more  satisfactorily  ap- 
pear, that  as  to  the  dear  child,  the  beloved  dang,hter, 
whom  joii  have  resigned  and  given  up,  when  your 
Lord  and  Master,  came  and  called  for  her,  iiis  tndif 
TV  ell  with  her. 

That  fine,  that  elegant  bodily  form,  in  which  so 
much  divine  skill  and  beneficence  were  displayed,  has 
indeed  by  the  sovereign  and  righteous  mandate  of  her 
Lord,  been  consigned  to  the  gloom  of  the  grave,  there 
to  moulder  and  dissolve  into  the  dust,  out  of  which  it 
was  originally  formed.  But  there  it  shall  not  remain 
forever  under  the  dominion  of  death  ;  for  at  the  last 
day,  it  shall,  by  his  all  powerful  voice,  be  raised  up 
again,  a  spiiitual,  immortal,  incorruptible  body,  fash- 
ioned in  beauty'and  vigor,  like  unto  the  glorious  body 
of  the  ]3ivine  Redeemer, 

And  when  you  think  of  the  rational,  immortal  spirit, 
by  which  that  once  lovely  clay,  which  is  again  to  be 
raised  in  glory,  was  lately  animated,  you  must  view  her 
as  highly  favoured  indeed,  in  being  so  early  called  to 
renounce  the  vanities  of  the  world,  and  the  pleasures 
of  sin,  even  in  the  season  when  their  attractions,  are 
usually  the  most  powerful  and  dangerous,  for  an  inter- 
est in  the  Saviour,  and  the  joys  of  Heaven,  which  the 
illuminated  mind  values  infinitely  more  than  all  world- 
ly good,  and  which  alone  can  satisfy  a  soul  born  of 
God  ;  and  then,  after  having  the  honor  of  exhibiting:, 
for  a  few  short  years,  the  power  of  godliness,  and  the 
beauties  of  religion,  which  alone  can  form  a  character 
worthy  of  the  love  of  God  and  man,  and  secure  a  genu- 


LETTERS.  357 

hie,  solid,  unfailing  peace  and  happiness,  to  the  soul  in 
life  and  in  death  ;  must  she  not  appear  to  have  been 
still  more  highly  privileged,  in  being  so  soon  removed 
from  a  world  of  ifuperfection  and  sin,  of  templation  and 
conflict,  to  that  bright  world  on  high,  where  those  v^'ho 
have  been  redeemed  from  among  men,  are  as  the  angels 
of  God,  in  all  holy  perfection  ;  while  they  participale 
net  only  in  their  exalted  happiness,  but  in  the  peculiar 
joy  of  their  Lortl,  who  has  redeemed  them  to  God  by 
his  blood,  and  having  sanctified  them  into  a  complete 
conformity  to  his  own  image,  in  righteousness,  and  holi- 
ness, advances  them  to  sit  wilh  him  for  ever,  on  his 
throne  of  glory  ! 

Did  you,  or  could  you  ever  form  a  better  and  higher 
wish  for  your  daughter,  in  those  moments  when  you 
felt  most  sensibly,  the  deep,  the  tender  interest  which 
she  had  in  your  affections  ?  And  shall  you  now  grieve  ; 
should  you  not  rather  rejoice,  that  all  the  best  and 
most  affectionate  wishes  of  your  heart  for  her,  are  thus 
accomplished,  thus  realized  by  her  ?  If  still  nature 
must  weep,  because  she  is  no  more  with  you,  surely 
grace  must  teach  you  to  weep  in  this  case,  as  thouirh 
you  wept  not,  when  you  thus  view  her  as  numbered 
with  the  saints  in  glory,  who  are  ever  with  the  Lord. 
And  if  still  your  bereaved  heart  must  go  again  and 
again,  to  the  grave  to  weep  there,  where  all  that  was 
mortal,  of  what  was  lately  so  lovely  and  pleasing,  lies 
deeply  buried  out  of  your  sight,  while  musing  on  the 
brink  of  that  gloomy  mansion,  look  around,  and  learn 
to  be  thankful,  that  all  your  other  mortal  comforts, 
are  not  also  buried  there  :  let  it  then  look  down,  and 
anticipate  the  hastening  period,  for  the  time  is  short, 
when  there  all  your  sorrows  shall   be  buried  for  ever, 


358  LETTERS. 

while  there  your  flesh  released  from  all  its  toils  and 
sufferings,  shall,  as  in  a  bed  of  sweet  repose,  rest  in 
hope  of  a  joyful  resurrection  :  and  then,  through  the 
dark  valley  let  it  look,  with  a  strong  failh,  and  lively 
hope,  and  ardent  desire,  to  that  world  of  glory,  where 
God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  the  eyes  of  his  be- 
loved people,  and  there  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither 
sorrow  nor  crying,  neither  any  more  pain,  for  those 
former  things  are  all  passed  away,  and  shall  nevermore 
be  known  in  that  eternal  life,  which  God  has  promised. 
And  let  the  delightful  prospect  animate  you  to  run, 
•with  unyielding  patience,  and  with  redoubled  diligence, 
in  the  remainder  of  the  race  set  before  you,  until  in 
your  appointed  time,  you  finish  your  course  with  joy, 
and  ascend  in  triumph,  to  meet  again  your  dear  Eliza; 
and  with  her  and  all  the  saints  and  holy  angels,  who 
surround  the  throne  of  heaven,  to  join  in  noblest  acts 
of  worship  there,  in  the  most  exalted  exercises  of  love 
and  praise,  to  the  King  of  saints,  the  eternal  King  of 
glory  ;  and  to  feel  every  capacity  and  desire  filled  with 
that  fulness  of  joy,  which  is  in  his  presence,  and  with 
those  pleasures,  that  are  at  his  right  hand  for  ever.  "  Oh 
glorious  hour,  Oh  !  blest  abode  !" 

But  having  far  exceeded  my  proposed  limits,  and 
nearly  filled  the  paper  before  me,  I  must  leave  you  to 
pursue  your  own  reflections  :  only  commending  you  to 
*'  the  God  of  all  grace,  and  our  blessed  Lord  and  Sa- 
viour, Jesus  Christ,  in  whom  the  Father  that  hath  lov- 
ed, hath  given  you  everlasting  consolation,  and  good 
hope,  through  grace,  with  my  earnest  prayers,  and  in 
the  pleasing  persuasion,  that  He  will,  as  he  alone  can, 
effectually  "  comfort  your  heart  !" 


LETTERS.  359 

Altbough  I  have  written  in  a  direct  way  only  to  your- 
self, yet  it  has  not  been  without  a  view  to  those  who 
mourn  with  you  ;  in  the  hope  that  those  whose  hearts 
have  been  prepared  by  grace,  may  find  that  the  conso- 
lations of  God  are  not  small  with  them  ;  and  with  the 
solicitous  desire,  that  the  hearts  of  all  may  be  thus 
prepared  for  partaking,  according  to  their  respective 
measure  of  suffering  under  this  great  aflSiction,  of  those 
divine  consolations,  which  to  believers  are  made  to 
abound  through  Jesus  Christ,  as  their  sorrows  have 
abounded. 

"  Now  the  Lord  of  peace  himself,  give  you  peace  al- 
ways, by  all  means  !     The  Lord  be  with  you  all !" 

With  great  esteem,  and  affectionate  sympathy,  I  am 
sincerely  your  friend, 

ISAAC    S.   KEITH. 


TO    DR.    F. 

CHARLESTON,    AUGUST    I2th,   tO   14th,    1807. 

MY    DEAR     FRIEND, 

X  OUR  favour,  under  dates,  the  7  th  and  8th 
inst.  I  received  yesterday  by  B.  and  as  usual,  I 
write  in  return,  with  haste,  as  well  as  a  mind  occupied 
with  various  objects  of  attention.  But  as  B.  sails 
again  for  Beaufort,  this  afternoon,  I  am  unwilling 
to  let  slip  the  opport  unity,  without  dropping  a  few  lines  ; 
they  may  turn  out  to  he  pages,  to  a  friend  whose  cor- 
respondence I  highly  value,  and  with  whose  sentiments 
and  feelings,  my  own  seem  to  harmonize,  on  the  most 
important  and  interesting  subjects,  and  in  all  the  vicis- 


860  LETTERS. 

sitiides  of  joy  and  sorrow,  to  which  this  mortal  life  is 
subjected. 

Your  letter  is  chiefly  filled,  with  a  truly  affecting  ac- 
count  of  an    event,  at  once  aflSicting  and  consolatory, 
in  an    uncommon   degree  !      For    the  early    death    of 
such    a  lovely  woman,   and    excellent   christian  ;  who 
that  knew  any  thing  of  her    worlhy  and  amiable  char- 
acter, and   especially  that  had   the  opportunity  of  en- 
joj'tng  much  of  her  pleasing,    impro\ing    society  and 
conversation,  can  forbear  to  mourn,  deeply  and  tender- 
ly to  mourn,  that  she  no  longer  lives,  to  adorn  the  pro- 
fession of  the  gospel,  to  gladden  the  respectable  social 
circles  in  which   she    moved,  and  to  be  the  joy  and  so- 
lace  of   her    family,   connexions,   and    friends  I     Yet 
who   that   raises    the    strong  and  stedfast  eye  of  faith, 
to  the  bright   and   heavenly  prospect,  and  beholds  her 
happy  spirit,  now  united    to    the  innumerable  and  glo- 
rious throng  of  the  redeemed,  of  the  spirits  of  the  just 
made  perfect,   in    holiness  and  bliss,  can  refuse   to   be 
consoled   with  the  consideration,  that  their  painful  loss 
is  her  great  gain  ;  that  for  her,  it  is   unspeakably  better 
to  be   with  hei  Lord  her  Sa\  iour  and   her  God,  than  it 
would  have  been  to  continue   in  the  body,  in  a  world  of 
imperfection,   sin,  temptation,   and    trial  I     Blessed  be 
God,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  that  christians  on 
earth  are  not  left  to  sorrow,  for  the  dearest  and  the  most 
beloved  christian  friends   departed  to  hea\en,  as  those 
who  have  no  hope  ! 

How  little  do  friends  generally,  when  they  meet, 
realize  the  solemn  idea,  that  this  may  be  the  last  time 
of  seeing  each  other's  faces  in  the  land  of  the  li\in8j  I 
The  last  time,  I  think,  of  our  seeing  the  desirable 
friend,  now  no  more  with  us,  was  at  our  house,  where 


LETTERS.  381 

she  spent  about  two  hours  of  a  forenoon  ;  and  seldom 
indeed,  if  ever,  have  I  enjoyed  a  more  pleasant  season, 
of  that  duration,  with  any  person  with  whom  I  had  not 
previously  had  the  pleasure  of  a  long  and  intimate  ac- 
quaintance. Mrs.  W.  was  with  us  at  the  same  time: 
and  as  she  was  herself,  an  ornament  of  her  sex,  and  of 
her  christian  profession,  and  a  very  good  judge  of  the 
qualities,  natural,  acquired,  and  inspired,  which  consti- 
tute a  character,  most  worthy  of  esteem  and  affectionj 
she  expressed  herself  very  much  pleased  indeed,  with 
Miss  B.  and  we  all  united  in  the  sentiment,  that  such 
an  assemblage  of  youth,  beauty,  intelligence,  sweetness 
of  disposition,  easy  and  engaging  manners,  and  genu- 
ine, lively  piety,  is  rarely  to  be  found.  Her  lovely 
image  must  long  live  in  the  recollection,  and  her  mem- 
ory must  be  long  endeared,  to  the  hearts  of  her  friends  ; 
and  especially  of  those  who  best  knew  her  worth,  and 
loved  her  most.  May  the  little  company  of  the  Re- 
deemer's disciples  and  friends,  who  are  travelling  in  th© 
narrow  way  to  life,  and  who  no  longer  enjoy  the 
pleasina;,  animating  company  of  this  desirable  fellow 
traveller  on  the  road,  be  excited  to  shake  oflf  sloth,  and 
with  redoubled  diligence  follow  her,  as  she  followed 
Christ,  and  press  forward  to  that  immortal  crown,  and 
everlasting  rest,  to  which  she  has  gone  before  them  ; 
having  been  peculiarly  and  eminently  favoured,  in  be- 
ing so  early  called  to  realize  the  promises,  and  the 
work  of  grace,  fulfilled  and  completed  in  glory.  And 
may  the  bereaved  parent,  husband,  sisters,  connexions, 
and  friends,  whose  hearts  most  deeply  feel  the  dispen- 
sation of  a  wise  and  holy  Providence,  which  has  called 
her  so  soon  to  heaven,  and  left  them  to  mourn  her  loss 

on  earth,  and  turned  their  short  lived  satisfactions,  and 
46 


362  LETTERS. 

vainly  anticipated  joys,  in  this  dear  object  of  their  affec- 
tions, into  lasting  tears  and  sorrows,  find,  that  the  Sa- 
viour, in  whom  she  trusted  and  triumphed,  is  better  to 
them,  than  the  dearest  of  creatures  can  possibly  be  ;  is 
a  friend  indeed,  who  will  never  leave  them  nor  forsake 
them  ;  and  who  is  able  effectually  to  comfort  those  who 
mourn,  and  ready  to  make  his  grace  sufficient  for  them, 
and  his  strength  perfect  in  their  weakness;  and  so  to 
bless  them,  even  by  this  great  affliction,  that  they 
shall  know,  that  it  is  indeed  good  for  them,  that  they 
Lave  been  thusafilicted.  To  his  compassion,  and  sup- 
porting, and  sanctifjing  grace,  I  commend  all  who  are 
sharers  in  this  aOiiction;  and  they  will  allow  me,  I 
trust,  to  take  at  least  an  humble  part  with  them  in  their 
sorrows,  with  the  desire,  and  in  the  hope,  that  as  is 
their  day  of  trial,  so  will  their  strength  from  him  be 
found  ;  that  as  their  sorrows  have  abounded,  their 
consolations  also,  shall  by  him  be  made  to  abound  ; 
and  that  through  the  teaching  of  bis  word  and  spirit, 
they  may  effectually  learn  the  various  lessons  of  heav- 
enly wisdom,  which  this  providence  is  adapted  to  im- 
press most  deeply  upon  their  hearts  ! 

On  the  deeply  interesting  subject  of  war,  which  at 
this  period  so  seriously  occupies  the  public  mind,  I 
can  hardly  say,  whether  my  hopes  or  apprehensions, 
respecting  it,  preponderate.  When  I  think  how  ob- 
viously it  is  the  interest,  in  almost  every  point  of  view, 
of  G.  B.  and  the  U.  S.  to  maintain  and  cultivate 
peace,  and  harmony,  and  a  fair  and  equitable  commer- 
cial intercourse  ;  it  would  seem,  that  if  the  governments 
of  the  two  nations,  are  influenced  hy  I  he  principles  of 
an  enlightened  and  honest  policy,  they  may  yet  meet 
on  friendly  ground  ;  and  such  reparation  may  yet  be 
made,  for  the  insult  lately  offered  to  our  national  Inde- 


LETTERS.  363 

pendence,  sovereignly  and  honor,  as  may  prevent  the 
horrors  and  calamines  of  war.  But  when  again  I  think 
of  the  nnworthy  returns,  which,  as  a  people,  we  have 
made  to  the  God  of  our  mercies,  for  all  his  distinguish- 
ing favours  to  our  country  ;  and  particularly  how  un- 
gratefully and  criminally  we  have  abused  the  manifold 
and  long  continued  blessings  of  peace  ;  I  cannot  but 
fear,  that  the  time  may  be  near  at  hand,  when  the 
Lord  may  proceed  to  visit  for  these  things,  and  to  a- 
venge  himself  of  such  a  nation  as  this,  by  some  heav- 
ier judgments,  than  those  which  have  already  been 
abroad  in  our  land  !  The  scourge  of  war,  we  have 
certainly  deserved  to  feel,  if  not  by  our  conduct  to« 
wards  the  government,  with  whom  we  are  in  danger  of 
being  involved  in  a  quarrel,  which  I  think  we  have 
not  justly  provoked  ;  yet,  at  least,  by  our  offences 
against  the  great  Governor  of  nations,  who  has  a 
right  to  employ  what  sword,  or  rod,  he  may  choose, 
for  inflicting  upon  us  the  merited  chastisement  for  our 
sins.     Your  sincere  friends, 

JANE  AND    ISAAC    S.    KEITJf* 


i-5^« 


TO    DR.    F. 

CHARLESTON,    SEPTEMBER    1,  180T. 

MY   DEAR    FRIEND, 

When  I  begin  to  write  to  you,  I  generally  in- 
tend to  write  but  a  little.  What  becomes  of  my  pur- 
poses, in  this  case,  let  the  long  scrawls  which  you  of- 
ten receive  frem  me,  testify.     In  one  respect,  indeed^ 


364  LETTERS. 

J  acf  in  tolerable  conformity  to  my  intention,  as  it  is 
but  little  matter  that  I  send  you,  though  spread  over 
several  pages,  and  inveloped  in  a  multitude  of  words* 
I  have  often  and  often  wished  that  I  had  the  pen,  not 
only  of  a  ready,  but  of  a  concise  writer,  so  that  1  could 
save  my  time  and  paper,  and  the  patience  of  my  cor- 
respondents, by  the  happy  art  of  saying  rmdlutn  in 
parvo.  But  such  as  I  am  you  see  me  in  ray  Ietters| 
and  such  as  I  have  to  communicate  in  them,  you  re- 
ceive in  my  own  manner.  For  your  sake,  as  well  as 
my  own,  I  wish  /  was  myselfy  and  that  I  could  do, 
much  better.  As  things  are,  well  is  it  for  me,  at  least, 
in  point  of  enjoying  your  correspondence,  that  you  are 
a  partial  friend,  and  seem  willing  to  be  pleased  with 
trifles,  offered  by  a  well  meaning  heart,  as  tokens  of  af- 
fection. 

As  with  all  ray  consciousness  of  my  many  infirmities 
and  deficiencies,  I  have  some  vanity,  which  you  know 
always  loves  to  be  flattered  ;  I  must  acknowledge  io 
yon,  that  I  have  felt  some  gratification  in  reading  the 
expressions  of  your  approbation  of  the  printed  dis- 
course which  I  sent  you.  I  wish  it  had  been  more  wor- 
thy of  the  cause,  and  of  course,  of  your  acceptance. 
I  have  long  judged,  that  political  interests  and  duties, 
as  they  undoubtedly  come  within  the  compass,  the 
wide  compass,  of  religion,  which  teaches  us  what  we 
owe,  not  only  to  God  and  ourselves,  but  to  our  fellow- 
men,  as  individuals,  and  as  members  of  sacred  and  civil 
society,  may  with  propriety  be  introduced,  as  sub- 
jects worthy  of  attention,  in  our  public  discourses. 
But  as  they  require  to  be  managed  with  a  peculiarly 
delicate  hand,  and  should  not,  perhaps,  be  often  brought 
forward,  or  very   particularly  discussed,   excepting  in 


LETTERS,  g65 

extraordinary  seasons  and  circumstances,  I  tave  rarely 
indeed,  aliowed  my  unskilful  hand  to  touch  tbem. 
That  what  was  attempted  in  this  way,  on  a  late  occa- 
sion, which  seemed  naturally  to  lead  to  some  observa- 
lions  on  the  critical  state  of  our  country,  should  have 
been  demanded  for  a  more  extensive  publication 
through  the  press,  than  was  given  from  the  pulpit,  was 
altogether  beyond  my  expectation;  and  to  this  meas- 
ure of  my  friends,  /  rather  submitted,  than  consented. 
And  now  I  see,  they  are  dragging  a  part  of  it  again 
before  the  public,  through  the  channel  of  the  newspa- 
pers, the  Courier.  Now  is  not  this  on  the  whole,  more 
humbling,  than  flattering  ?  For  when  do  you  ever  see 
a  really  excellent,  evangelical  sermon,  on  any  of  the 
most  important  subjects,  involving  the  great,  the  ever- 
lasting interests  of  the  soul  and  its  salvation,  thought 
worthy  of  being  communicated  to  the  public,  in  a 
newspaper  ?    But  enough  of  this  sermon  ! 

On  your  essay  on  Patriotism,  I  have  not  now  time 
to  comment.  Let  one  remark  suffice,  that  on  this  sub- 
ject, my  sentiments  fully  coincide  with  those  which 
you  have  communicated.  And  be  assured,  that  your 
religious  sentiments  and  experiences,  as  intimated, 
sometimes  more  briefly,  and  sometimes  more  largely, 
in  your  epistolary  communications,  as  well  as  in  con- 
versation, (when  the  opportunities  for  that  have  occur- 
red) meet  my  approbation,  and,  without  meaning  to 
express  a  compliment,  have  led  me  to  esteem  you, 
among  many  others,  better  than  myself;  as  being  more 
experimentally,  and  practically  acquainted,  with  the 
truth  and  grace  of  the  gospel,  which  1  profess  to  have 
believed  and  embraced,  and  which,  in  Providence,  and 
by  office  I  have  been  called  to  preach  to  others.     Ah  ! 


S66    ,  LETTERS. 

to  preach  not  ourselves,  but  Christ,  and  him  crucified, 
requires  a  degree  of  divine  illumination  and  grace,  of 
which,  when  I  seriously  think,  I  see  reason  enough  for 
the  deepest  humiliation  of  soul.  Happy  are  they 
who  properly  feel  their  own  insufficiency  in  this  case, 
and  who  experimentally  know  that  their  sufficiency  is 
of  God  their  Saviotir  1 

We  have  lately  received  a  long,  and  as  usual,  an 
excellent  letter,  from  Mrs.  W.  Among  other  mat- 
ters, she  informs,  that,  since  the  edition  of  2000 
copies  of  the  volume  of  her  husband's  sermons, 
there  has  been  such  a  demand  by  non-subscribers,  for 
the  small  balance  of  200  or  300,  which  had  not  been 
subscribed  for,  that  she  expects  the  whole  edition  will 
soon  go  off:  and  with  other  friends  regrets,  that  the 
edition  had  not  been  extended,  to  at  least  2,500  copies. 
Of  the  numerous  patrons  of  this  publication,  who  sub- 
scribed, chiefly  from  love  to  Mrs.  W,  and  with  a 
view  to  the  benefit  of  her  family  ;  many  of  the  best 
judges  of  evangelical  preaching  among  us,  have  ex- 
pressed a  cordial  and  warm  approbation  of  the  sermons 
generally  :  so  that  they  seem  to  enjoy,  in  this  case,  a 
double  reward,  in  the  pleasure  of  doing  good,  and 
the  benefit,  that  has  been  reflected  back  upon  themselves 
from  the  good  which  they  designed  to  do  to  another. 
Had  those  sermons  passed  under  the  deliberate  review 
and  polishing  hand  of  the  author  who  left  them,  I  sup^ 
pose,  in  the  state  in  which  they  were  first  prepared  for 
his  stated  course  of  preaching,  they  might  have,  per- 
haps, appeared  to  greater  advantage  in  the  eye  of  the 
critical  reader  ;  but  I  doubt  whether  they  would  have 
been  at  all  more  pleasing  and  acceptable  to  the  pioua 
heart. 


LETTERS.  367 

Mrs.  W.  mentions  in  her  letter,  the  appearance  of  a 
remarkable,  and    most  desirable  revival  of  religion,  in 
the  church  under  the  care   of  the  Rev.  Mr.  H.   whose 
excellent  funeral  sermon   on  Mr.  VV^.  is  inserted  in  the 
volume   of  his   sermons :  and  some  drops  of  the  heav- 
enly shower,   she  says,  are  beginning  to  fall   upon  the 
neighbouring  churches.     She   observes,    that   Mr.  H. 
seems  to  be  wearing  himself  out  by  his  fervent  zeal  and 
abundant  labours  ;  and   speaks  of  his  preaching  lately 
to   great    acceptance,   in   the  church  at    Farmington, 
on   these    words:  "When    the   Lord  shall  build    up 
Zion,  he  shall  appear  in  his   glory. "^    Do  our  hearts 
indeed  long  to  see   such   a  day  of  our  Lord's   glory, 
in  Charleston,  and   in   Beaufort,    and  all  around  ?     If 
so:   let  us   pray  and  labour,  in  our  respective  spheres, 
with  becoming  importunity,  and   diligence:  then  may 
we  hope  to  be  thus  favoured,  as  others  are,  and  as  we 
have  been,  in  some  measure  heretofore. 

With  this,  I  send  under  the  same  cover,  a  letter  to 
Mrs.  B.  on  the  subject  of  her  late  distressing,  yet  con- 
solatory affliction.  I  have  endeavoured  to  express  my 
good  will,  to  minister  consolation,  if  it  were  in  my 
power;  but  the  Lord  alone,  I  know,  can,  and  he  I  trust 
fvill,  effectually  comfort  her  heart.  This  letter  was 
written  a  few  days  ago,  when  in  daily  expectation  of  B's 
arrival.  Be  so  good  as  to  hand  it  to  Mrs.  B.  and 
may  a  blessing  attend,  what  may  be  proper  and  sea- 
sonable in  it,  to  herself,  and  to  those  who  mourn  with 
her.  I  thought  that  surely,  I  must  and  would  con- 
clude here  :  but  I  must  yet  take  the  other  end  of  the 
page  for  finishing,  when  I  have  no  room  for  another 
line  inor«.     You  will  easily  perceive,   that  my   brains 

*  Psalm  •ii.  1«. 


26  LETTERS. 

have  not  been  much  on  (he  rack,  in  writing  this  ;  ou- 
my  fingers  are  tired  with  holding  tlie  pen  ;  as  your  pa- 
tience must  now  be  in  trying  to  read,  or  to  spell  out, 
this  hasty,  yes  literally  hasty  scrawl. 

In  love  (o  yourselves,  and  all    friends  around  you, 
your  little  friend  Jane,  joins  with  your  greater  friend, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 


»-?:«-4 


TO    MRS.    W. 

CHARLESTON,    AUGUST  27,   tO  SEPT.  10,  1807. 

Again  we  have  been  favoured  with  a  long  let- 
ter, from  our  very  dear,  dear  friend,  under  date  the 
29th  of  July.  It  must  have  been  more  than  three 
Weeks  on  the  way,  as  it  was  not  received  here  till  the 
24 Ih  of  August.  It  was,  if  not  long  looked  for,  at 
least  for  some  time  expected,  not  without  some  degree 
of  anxiety  and  impatience,  before  it  came  at  last.  And 
■when  it  came,  as  we  knew  that  it  came  all  warm  from 
the  heart  of  a  friend,  whom  we  highly  esteem,  and 
very  affectionately  love  ;  and  whose  reciprocal  afTec- 
tion  gratifies  our  self-love,  more  than  our  pens  or 
words  can  express,  you  may  be  assured,  that  this  re- 
newed evidence  of  your  continued  friendship,  and 
kind  remembrance,  was  most  welcome  to  our  hearts  ; 
as  is  every  letter  indeed,  that  we  receive  from  you. 
This,  I  believe,  I  have  in  substance  told  you  more 
than  once  already.  But  to  those  whom  we  love,  we 
are  apt  to  say  the  same  things  over  and  over  again. 


LETTERS.  S69 

It  gave  us  much  pleasure  to  hear,  that  both  of  the 
letters  which  you  acknowledge,  and  to  which  you  have 
made  such  ample  returns,  had  got  seasonably  to  hand. 
And  could  you  not  have  told  us  so,  sooner  than  you 
did  ?  But,  all  circumstances  considered,  we  cannot 
think  of  blaming  you  ;  for  we  know  that  it  is  in  your 
heart  to  write  when  you  can  ;  and  we  have  only  to 
wish,  that  in  this  case,  and  in  many  other  instances,  you 
and  we,  could  better  do  what  we  would :  alfhousrh,  I 
suppose,  that  we  all  see  abundant  cause  for  complaining 
of  ourselves,  that  we  are  often  and  often,  far  from  be- 
ing willing  and  ready,  in  a  proper  degree,  to  do  the 
good  which  may  be  within  the  power  of  our  hand. 
What  views  must  they  have  of  themselves,  who  think 
that  they  can  merit  heaven  itself  by  the  goodness  of 
their  hearts,  and  by  their  good  doings  ?  Happy  they, 
who  are  so  poor  in  spirit,  as  to  see  and  feel,  that  to 
them  Christ  is  all  !  With  what  transporting  pleasure 
will  they  hereafter  cast  their  crowns  of  glory  at  his 
feet,  and  triumph  in  his  praise,  who  has  done  all  for 
them,  who  has  bestowed  all  upon  them,  and  whose  joj 
will  constitute  their  happiness  for  ever  ! 

Ere  this,  it  is  hoped,  that  you  have  received  pay- 
ment of  the  bill,  which  you  mention  as  having  been 
safely  conveyed  in  my  last  letter.  The  remarkable 
success  which  has  attended  the  undertaking,  of  pub- 
lishing a  volume  of  your  late  dear  husband's  sermons, 
is  highly  gratifying  to  your  numerous  friends  here,  as 
well  as  to  those  nearer  around  you.  It  seems  to  be,  in- 
deed, much  to  be  regretted,  that  the  edition  had  not 
been  extended  to  2,300,  instead  of  being  limited  to 
2,000  :  as  there  is  such   good  ground  now  for  believing^, 

that,  within  a  reasonable  space  of  time;  the  whole  of 
47 


su 


LBTTERS. 


the  first  mentioned  number  might  have  been  disposed 
of.  But  is  it  not  probable,  that  in  due  time  there  may- 
be a  call  for  a  second  edition  ?  In  the  mean  time,  there 
is  great  reason  for  thankfulness,  that  so  large  an  edition 
as  that  which  has  been  actually  printed,  has  been  for 
the  most  part  subscribed  for,  and  that  the  remainder 
are  likelj  to  be  disposed  of  so  soon.  In  this  the  be- 
nevolent and  the  pious  must  be  disposed  to  rejoice, 
Bot  only  on  account  of  the  particular  benefit  resulting 
from  this  circumstance,  to  the  widow  and  the  fatherless  ; 
but  in  the  view  of  the  still  greater  good,  so  extensively 
diffused  through  the  community,  by  the  publication  of 
so  large  a  number  of  these  valuable  discourses.  With 
great  truth  I  can  assure  you,  that  I  think  them  really 
excellent  sermons  ;  composed  in  a  style  of  simplicity, 
congenial  to  that  of  the  scriptures,  and  enriched  with 
scripture  truths,  exhibited  in  a  manner  well  adapted  to 
enlighten  the  understanding,  to  impress  the  heart,  and 
to  promote  theimprovement,  the  comfort,  and  the  sal- 
vation of  the  soul.  It  will,  no  doubr,  be  peculiarly 
grateful  to  the  feelings  of  your  heart,  which  must  long 
cherish  the  most  affectionate  remembrance  of  a  most 
worthy  husband  ;  as  it  has  been  very  pleasing  to  me, 
to  find,  that  among  the  very  numerous  subscribers  to 
those  sermons  in  Charleston,  many  persons,  whom  I 
reckon  among  the  best  judges  of  evangelical  preaching, 
that  are  to  be  found  here,  have  expressed  a  cordial, 
and  warm  approbation  of  them.  Hence,  although  they 
at  first  subscribed,  chiefly  from  love  to  you,  now  they 
feel  a  double  gratification,  as  they  meant  to  se^icve  a 
friend,  and  in  doing  that,  have  secured  a  still  greater 
betiefit  to  themselves.  When  I  consider  these  sermona 
as  prepared  generally  for  a  stated  course  of  preaching, 


LETTHRS.  3ft 

without  any  view  to  the  press,  and  as  printed  from  the 
manuscript,  as  it  was  tjius  left  by  the  author,  I  cannot 
but  view  them,  as  reflecting  great  honor  upon  his  mem- 
ory. Had  they  passed  under  the  deliberate  review,  and 
polishing  hand  of  the  writer,  before  they  were  published, 
they  might  perhaps  have  appeared  to  greater  advan- 
tage in  the  eye  of  the  critical  reader  ;  but  I  doubt 
whether  they  would  have  been  at  all  more  pleasing  and 
acceptable  to  the  pious  heart. 

Although  we  have  no  business  with  wishing  for  any 
thing  but  what  the  Lord  wills  ;  yet  our  natural  affec- 
tions, which  want  a  great  deal  of  guiding,  restraining, 
and  sanctifying  grace,  to  set,  and  to  keep  them  right 
every  day,  have  been  daily  prompting  us  to  wish  that 
we  could  see  you  where  you  are,  and  your  worthy 
friends  with  whom  you  are  surrounded  ;  and  as  we 
could  not  hope  to  stay  long  with  you  there,  then,  to 
wish  that  you  were  with  us  here  ;  and  that  here  you 
would  abide,  and  feel  yourself  at  home  :  so  far  at  least, 
as  pilgrims  may  be  allowed  to  feel  themselves  at  home, 
on  earth.  With  what  painful  pleasure  are  the  inter- 
esting hours  which  we  have  spent  together,  now  recol- 
lected, often  and  often,  in  the  course  of  every  day  that 
passes  !  With  what  heartfelt  pleasure  would  they  be 
renewed,  if  the  wise  and  good  providence  of  our  God, 
would  permit !  Now  what  is  this  but  the  very  spirit  of 
selfishness  in  us?  For  our  judgement  tells  us,  that  it 
is  much  better,  all  circumstances  considered,  for  you 
now,  to  be  where  you  are.  How  strange,  how  inconsis- 
tent, (but  what  inconsistencies  cannot  the  human  heart 
reconcile?)  that  we  should  really  wish  you  an  evil,  a?i 
acknowledged  evil,  while  we  persuade  ourselves  that 
we  are  cherishing  for  you,  the  tenderest  affection,  of 


S72  LETTERS. 

the  purest  friendship  I  Well  is  it  for  you,  that 
your  blessed  Lord  and  Saviour  loves  you  infinite- 
ly  better  than  we  dOy  and  orders,  and  does  every 
Ihin^  concerning  you,  and  for  you,  just  as  he  does,  be' 
cause  he  loves  you  !  Since  then  He  sees  it  best,  that 
we  should  not  now  enjoy  the  pleasure,  and  the  improve- 
ment to  be  found  in  your  society  and  conversation ;  we 
desire  to  bow  to  his  wise  disposal,  and  to  be  thankful 
for  the  satisfaction,  which  he  allows  us,  of  still  numbering 
you  among  the  very  dearest  of  our  friends  ;  of  maintain- 
ing a  constant  correspondence  with  you  by  letters;  and 
of  hearing  so  frequently,  and  so  particularly,  of  the 
many,  the  new,  and  fresh  evidences  and  fruits  of 
the  loving  kindness,  and  tender  mercy  of  the  Lord, 
with  which  you  are  favoured,  under  all  the  trials, 
"which  his  wisdom  has  appointed  to  you.  The  Lord 
appears  indeed,  to  be  dealing  with  you,  as  he  does 
with  those  whom  he  loves,  with  a  peculiar  affection. 
Having  adopted  you  into  his  family,  and  given  you  an 
interest  in  all  the  high  and  distinguishing  privileges  of 
the  children  of  God,  he  added  to  the  rich  blessings  of 
Lis  grace,  one  of  the  most  precious  and  desirable  fa- 
vours of  his  providence,  when  he  gave  you,  for  the 
friend  of  your  bosom,  the  most  intimate  companion  of 
your  soul,  one  who  was  a  fellow  heir  with  you  of  the 
grace  of  life,  and  eminently  qualified  to  be  your  coun- 
sellor and  comforter,  to  share,  and  to  relieve  you  of,  at 
least  half,  ihe  load  of  all  your  troubles,  and  to  partici- 
pate and  to  double  all  your  joys,  on  the  journey  to  that 
everlasting  rest,  which  remains  for  the  people  of  God. 
You  were  highly  pleased,  and  happy,  very  happy, 
with  this  gift  of  your  Father's  love  :  and  unconscious 
qf  your  error,  and  even  inattentive,  perhaps,   to  th^ 


i^ETTEBS.  573 

mde  difference  between  gratitude  and  idolatry^  you. 
were  gradually  raising  llie  wortliy,  the  beloved  partnei" 
of  jour  joys  and  tsorrows,  too  near  the  place  in  your 
heart,  which  you  had  consecrated  to  the  Creator,  and 
which  he  alone  is  enlilled  and  qualified  to  fill.  The 
creaJure  whom  your  erring  affections  were  prone  to 
idolize,  your  Father  loved  unspeakably  belter  than  you 
could  ;  and  having  accomplished  in  him  the  work  ofhifl 
grace,  and  enabled  him  to  finish  with  acceptable  fideli- 
ty, the  work  which  was  given  him  to  do,  he  was  in  great 
mercy,  received  to  glory.  For  you,  it  »va8  necessary 
that  you  should  be  further  purified  in  the  furnace  of 
affliction;  tjiat  thus  your  affections  might  be  refined, 
and  prepared  to  be  filled  more  eniirely  with  the  ful- 
ness of  God,  and  that  thus  you  might  be  fitted  to 
exhibit  a  brighter  example  of  the  christian  temper  and 
character,  and  to  enjoy  in  an  higher  degree,  the  peace 
which  the  Saviour  bestows  ;  but  which  the  world, 
which  creatures,  cannot  give.  You  weie  therefore  af' 
Jlicted,  severely  afflicted  ;  and  your  faith,  much  more 
precious  than  gold  which  perisheth,  having  been  tried 
as  by  fire,  has  been  found  unto  praise,  has  appeared  to 
the  praise  of  its  Divine  Author,  to  your  own  increased 
comfort,  and  to  the  proportionably  greater  benefit  of 
others,  who  have  looked  to  you  for  an  example  ;  and 
your  soul,  deeply  humbled,  and  submissively  accepting 
correction,  as  justly  and  mercifully  inflicted,  for  its 
idolatrous  attachment  to  the  creature,  has  felt  itself 
compelled  by  an  happy  necessity,  and  constrained  by 
a  sweet  influence  of  grace,  to  return  to  its  rest  in  the 
Lord,  and  to  trust  and  hope,  and  rejoice  in  a  manner 
more  worthy  of  your  christian  character,  in  Him,  as 
your  refuge  and  your  portion  in  the  land  of  the  living. 


274 


LETTERS, 


And  ever  since  lie  has  Ihus  afSicted  you  for  your  good, 
he  appears  to  have  been  renewing  to  you,  in  various 
ways,  the  tokens  of  his  favour  and  love,  and  indeed,  to 
have  been  continually  rejoicing  over  you,  in  doing  you 
good,  by  the  kindest  dispensations  of  his  providence. 
Trials,  indeed,  and  these  neither  few  nor  small,  are 
necessarily  connected  with  your  present  situation  ;  and 
(rials  of  one  kind  or  other,  christians  must  have  in  every 
condition  on  earth ;  and  these  are  in  some  respects,  great- 
er mercies  and  blessings ,  than  the  dearest  comforts  of 
life.  But  your  trials  are  sweetened  with  so  many 
comforts,  with  so  many  pleasant  fruits  of  your  Fath- 
er's love  and  beneficence,  whether  coming  more  imme- 
diately from  his  own  kind  hand,  or  conveyed  to  you 
by  the  instrumentality  of  friends,  whose  hearts  he  has 
prepared  and  inclined  to  shew  you  kindness,  that  you 
must  feel  yourself  laid  under  the  most  pleasing  obliga- 
tions to  acknowledge,  "  that  he  hath  been  daily  put- 
ting a  new  song  in  your  mouth,  even  praise  to  your 
God ;"  and  that  when  you  would  declare,  and  speak  of 
the  many  wonderful  works,  which  the  Lord  your  God 
has  done,  and  of  his  thoughts  of  mercy  and  peace  to- 
wards you,  you  find  that  they  cannot  be  reckoned  up 
in  order,  that  they  are  more  than  can  be  numbered.^ 
And  what  gives  to  all  the  benefits  of  his  hand,  with 
which  he  is  daily  loading  you,  their  highest  value  and 
relish,  is  the  persuasion,  the  assurance,  inspired  by  his 
Spirit,  and  sanctioned  by  his  word,  that  these  are  on- 
ly the  provisions  of  his  tender  care  and  love,  to  sup- 
port and  cheer  you  on  the  way  to  your  Father's  house, 
eternal  in  heaven,  where  your  incorruptible,  undefiled, 
and  unfading  inheritance  of  glory  and  joy,  is  reserveil 

*  Psalm  xL 


"LETTERS.  3T5 

for  you.  How  pleasing,  (and  might  it  not  be  equally 
iniproviiig  ^)  again  to  meet  and  talk  over  these  things  ; 
to  repeat,  once  and  again,  many  of  the  things  which 
were  said,  during  the  months  which  you  spent  with  us  ; 
and  to  say  much  more  of  what  might  then  have  been 
said  ;  but  for  which  there  did  not  seem  to  be  sufficient 
lime  ;  or  for  which  the  opportunity  was  lost,  by  negli- 
gence, or  an  excessive  attention  to  a  variety  of  matters 
of  little  comparative  importance,  and  then  reciprocate 
our  observations  and  reflections,  upon  the  interesting 
scenes  and  events,  which  have  passed  since  the  unwel- 
come hour  of  our  separation  occurred  !  Whether 
such  a  meetings  such  a  gratification  of  the  heart,  such  a 
feast  of  the  soul,  will  ever  be  permitted  to  us  on  earthy 
I'ests  with  Him,  in  whose  hands  are  all  our  times. 
Shall  we  then,  (to  renew  the  question  on  which  you  say 
you  so  often  mused,  while  with  us,)  shall  we  all  meet 
in  Heaven. <*  There,  I  believe,  you  will  in  due  time 
meet  a  beloved,  lamented  husband,  and  all  the  other 
redeemed,  sanctified,  and  perfected  spirits,  who  sur- 
round  the  throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb,  to  spend  a 
blessed  immortality,  in  adoration  and  praise,  love  and  joy* 
But  shall  /ever  meet  you,  and  the  rest  of  that  glorious 
and  happy  throng,  in  that  bright  world,  that  blessed 
abode,  where 

No  vain  discourse  shall  fill  our  tongue. 
Nor  trifles  vex  otir  ear  : 
Infinite  grace  shall  be  our  song, 
And  God  rejoice  to  hear  ! 

This  is  a  question,  which  has  ten  thousand  times, 
thrilled  through  and  through  my  heart,  and  excited  a 
conflict  of  hope  and  fear,  of  joy  and  pain,  which  no 
words  can  describe.     I  have  thought,  perhaps  I  have 


3ir6  LETTERS. 

only  presumed,  that  wherccis  I  was  blind,  I  bave  been 
divinely  enlightened,  to  see,  to  love,  to  embrace,  to 
trust,  and  to  rejoice  in  God  the  Saviour,  as  all  my 
desire,  hope,  salvation,  and  happiness  ;  and  I  often 
think,  perhaps  I  only  fancy,  that  my  sonl  would  find 
the  highest  delight  which  it  craves,  and  to  which  it  as- 
pires, in  glorifying  and  enjoying  p-y  God  and  Saviour, 
in  the  company,  and  in  harmony  with  his  saints,  for 
ever.  But,  if  /  indeed  love  Him,  and  desire  to  be 
with  him,  why  do  I  not  better  keep  his  commandments  .^ 
Why  do  I  not  study  more  to  glorify  him,  by  bringing^ 
forth  more  of  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit  ?  And  why  am  I  not 
more  ready  and  resolved  to  deny  myself,  and  take  up 
the  cross  daily,  and  to  follow  my  Lord  fnlly,  in  the 
hope  and  prospect  of  the  final  accomplishment  of  his 
gracious  promise,  that  where  he  is,  there  shall  his  ser- 
vants and  friends  be  also,  ever  with  the  Lord  ? 

'Tis  a  point  1  lonc^  to  know  ; 
Oft  it  causes  anxious  thoughts. 
Do  I  love  the   Lord  or  no  ; 
Am  I  his,  or  am  1  not  ? 

Lord  decide  the  doubtful  case  ! 
Thou  who  art  thy  people's  sun, 
Shine  upon  thy  work  of  grace, 
If  indeed  it  be  begun  ! 

The  account  which  you  have  communicated,  of  the 
remarkable  and  most  desirable  revival  of  religion, 
which  has  lately  appeared  in  Mr.  H*s  congregation,  es- 
pecially, is  most  pleasing  and  welcome.  May  that 
glorious  work  of  the  Lord,  be  greatly  increased,  long 
continued,  and  widely  extended  !  The  zeal  and  activ- 
ity with  which  Mr.  H.  is  engaged  in  this  work,  are  such 
as  might  be  expected  by  those,  otherwise  unacquainted 
with  his  character,  who  have  read  his  excellent  funeral 


LETTERS,  37f 

discourse,  on  the   death   of  Mr.  W.  included    in   th© 
volume  of  Mr.  W's  sermons  ;  a    discourse    which  has 
been  very  much  approved  and  admired  by  many  here. 
In  a  nobler  and  better  cause,   he   could  not  spend  and 
be  spent  ;  but  I  hope  that   he   may  not  too  soon  wear 
himself  out,    by  the    abundance  of  his  labours.     It  is 
pleasing  also  to  hear,  that  even  a  (ew  drops  of  the  plen- 
tiful, heavenly  shower,   are   falling  upon  the  church  in 
Farmington,   as   well  as  others   in    the  neighbourhood. 
I   hope   that    the   ministrations  of  your  worthy  young 
pastor,  will  be  honored  and  encouraged,  by  an  increas- 
ing blessing  attending  them,   and    crowning  them  with 
success,  in  promoting  the  salvation  of  sinners,  and  the 
edification    of  believers  ;  among   whom,  of  this  latter 
class,   within   the   bounds  of  his   pastoral   charge,  you 
must  feel  a  peculiar  satisfaction,    in    numbering  many, 
as  the  seals  of  your  late  dear  husband's  faithful  and  la- 
borious  ministry.     Oh  !  that  here  also,  we  might  soon 
see  the  happy  day,  when  "  The  Lord  shall  build  up 
Zion,  and  appear  in  his   glory  among  us  !"     He  ap- 
pears, indeed,  from  time  to  time,  to  be  adding  one  and 
another,  some  white,  some  black,  to  the  church,  among 
(hose  who   shall  be    saved.     But  while   we   bless   his 
name  for  the  day  of  small  things,  there  are,  I   hope,  a 
number  of  his  friends  here,  who   long  to  see  his  houses 
of  worship  among  us,   and   the   church   which  he  has 
planted,  and  supported   here,  and  for  which,  in  various 
ways,  he  has  done  great  things,  filled  more  visibly  with 
his  glory,  and  with  converts  in  numbers,  in  the  beauties 
of  holiness,  and  in  sweetness  and  usefulness  of  influence, 
like  the  drops  of  morning  dew  !   What  "  sight  upon  earth 
is  so  fair"  as  that  of  numbers  crowding  the  temple  gates 
of  the  Lord,  as  humble,  devout  worshippers,  and  impor- 


SrS  LETTERS. 

tiinate  seekers  of  salvation ;  and  through  the  gates  of  iiie 
church  on  earth,  pressing  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ? 
Greater,  surelj,  than  the  joy  of  harvest,  must  be  the 
joy  of  the  friends  of  Jesus,  when  they  thus  see  the 
gathering  of  the  people  unto  him  ;  in  their  measure, 
they  will  feel  even  the  satisfaction  which  be  enjoys, 
when  he  thus  sees  of  the  travail  of  his  soul.  May  He 
multiply  the  people,  thus  made  willing  in  the  day  of  his 
power,  to  become  the  subjects  of  his  grace,  and  the  sup- 
porters of  his  cause,  and  increase  this  joy  abundantly, 
through  all  the  churches,  and  among  all  the  nations  ! 

But  I  must  check  my  roving  pen,  which  never 
knows  where  to  stop,  when  moving  towards  a  dear 
friend.  Well,  let  it  still  go  on  pbut  under  the  direc- 
tion of  another  hand,  by  which  I  hope,  it  will  be  em- 
ployed, to  fill  the  remainder  of  this  sheet,  more  agreea- 
bly than  it  would  by  my  own. 

I  am,  very  affectionately,  yours, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITI?> 


f^^« 


TO    MRS.    W. 

CHARLESTON",  APRIL    19,  ISO?. 

It  cannot  be  necessary  to  remind  you,  our  dear 
friend,  that  in  my  little  wife  and  myself,  you  have  very 
dilatory  correspondents,  and  indeed  very  poor  crea- 
tures, as  friends.  If  our  friendship,  indeed,  were  to  be 
estimated  by  our  affectionate  esteem  and  remembrance 
of  you,  and  by  our  benevolent  wishes  for  your  happi- 
ness, we  might  perhaps  stand  the  test  tolerably  well  : 
but  if,  like  a  christian  profession,  it  is  to  be  judged  by 
its  substantial  fruits,  it  would,  in  this  view,  be  found 


LETTERS.  379 

greallj  wanting.     And  when  we  measure  the  friend- 
ship which  we  profess  to  cherish  for  our  blessed   Lord 
and  Saviour,  to  whom  we  are  bound  bj  every  obliga- 
tion, by  the  standard  which  he  has  fixed  for  the  proof 
of  it,  where   he   says,   "  Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye  do 
tvhatsoever  I  command  you."  What  confidence  or  hope 
towards  him  could  we  have,  if  he  were  not  indeed,  the 
friend  of  sinners  ?  How  high  the  satisfaction  of  say- 
ing, with   truth,    "Lord,  thou  knowest  all  things,  thou 
knowest  that  I  love  thee  !"  And  how  great  the  consola- 
tion, resulting  from    the  declarations  of  his  own  word, 
that  if  any  who  love  him  in  sincerity,  fail  or  offend,  (and 
how   many,  alas !   are   the  failings   and  offences,  with 
whichtheir  consciences  must  charge  them?)  they  haveiii 
him  an  High-Priest,  v;ho  is  tenderly  touched  with  the 
feeling  of  their   infirmities,  and  whose  blood  cleanseth 
from   all   sin   and   unrighteousness,  and   an   Advocate, 
whose  intercession  in  their  behalf,  with  the  Father  of 
mercies,    shall  prevail    to  obtain  for  them,   pardoning 
mercy,    and    sanctifying,   supporting,   and    coajforting 
grace,  according  to  their  necessities  ! 

You,  I  believe,  have  long  loved  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  in  sincerity  ;  and  the  longer  you  have  known 
Hiin  and  yourself,  the  more,  1  doubt  not,  you  have  seen 
and  felt,  that  He  is  just  such  a  Saviour  and  friend  as 
you  absolutely  need  ;  a  Saviour  and  friend  all-sufficient, 
and  as  condescending  as  he  is  glorious,  as  ready,  merci- 
fully to  forgive  you,  and  graciously  to  receive  you 
again,  as  you  have  been  prone  to  err,  and  to  abuse  his 
goodness  and  indulgence.  Such  love  and  grace  could 
be  expected  to  be  shewn  only  by  him,  rjho  died  for  his 
enemies^  for  his  own  creatures,  when  they  were  in  the 
full  career  of  their  mad  rebellion  against  him.     And 


380  tETTERS. 

surelj',  eternity  will  be  short  enough  (o  utler  all  hh 
praise  !  AVhat  a  pity  that  so  little  of  it  should  be  shewn 
forth  now,  by  any  who  venture  to  hope  that  they  are 
redeemed  by  him,  to  be  a  peculiar  people  to  himself, 
zealous  of  good  works  ! 

As  to  myself,  I  feel,  that  with  respect  to  Him,  whom 
I  call  tiiy  Lordj  and  who,  I  know,  can  alone  be  my  Sa- 
viour, I  am  living  "  at  a  poor  dying  rate,"  indeed. 
Lord  increase  my  faith,  that  faith  which  works  by  love^ 
overcomes  the  world,  and  brings  forth  abundantly  of 
those  fruits  of  righteousness,  which  are  by  Jesus  Christ, 
to  the  glory  and  praise  of  God  ! 

In  respect  to  the  natural  life,  and  the  circumstancei 
of  my  situation  in  the  world,  no  material  change  has 
lately  taken  place,  except  what  may  be  included  in  the 
silent  flight  of  time,  which  has  brought  me,  by  the  space 
of  many  months,  nearer  to  an  unwasting  eternity,  than 
I  was  when  we  were  with  you  last  summer,  and  favour- 
ed with  the  interview  which  had  been  so  much  desir- 
ed, which  was  so  pleasing  in  the  enjoyment,  and  yet 
but  half  enjoyed,  on  account  of  its  being  of  so  short 
continuance,  and  so  soon  past  and  gone,  probably  not 
to  be  renewed  again  on  earth.  May  it  be  renewed  in 
very  different,  in  unspeakably  better  circumstances  in 
Heaven  ;  there  to  be  perpetuated,  through  all  the  peri,- 
ods  of  a  blessed  and  glorious  immortality,  where  the 
pain  of  separation,  where  the  sigh  which  rises,  and  the 
tear  which  falls,  at  the  thought  of  a  departed,  or  an  ab- 
sent friend,  shall  be  known  no  more  ;  where  love,  and 
friendship,  and  society,  shall  be  perfected  ;  where  God 
shall  be  all  in  all,  and  joy  in  his  presence,  shall  be  full 
and  still  growing,  and  rising  higher  and  higher,  for  ever ! 
Can  such^  a  felicity  belong  to  me  ?  May  my  hopes  as- 


LETTERS.  381 

pire  so  high  ?  Is  Jesus  precious  to  me  as  he  is  to  them 
who  truly  believe  ?  With  every  such  soul,  it  is  surely 
not  presumptuous,  but  a  duty,  and  a  becoming  expres- 
sion of  gratitude,  to  hope  to  enter  into  his  joy,  and  to 
behold  and  to  partake  of  his  glory  ;  for  such  is  his  willy 
and  such  the  assurance  of  his  faithful  word.  Lord,  I 
would  believe  :  help  thou  my  unbelief!  and  enable  me, 
to  give  all  requisite  diligence,  in  order  to  the  attain- 
ment of  a  full  assurance  of  hope  ! 

The  winter  here,  after  a  most  delightful  autumn, 
which  was  prolonged  till  near  Christmas,  was,  for  seve- 
ral weeks,  rather  vset  and  unpleasant,  but  not  very  cold. 
From  the  latter  part  of  February  to  the  present  time, 
the  weather  has  been  as  dry,  as  it  was  before  rainy  ;  and 
excepting  a  few  days,  it  has  been  cool  for  the  season  ; 
and  lately  we  have  had  a  smart  frost ;  which,  in  the  up- 
per country,  has  been  so  severe  as  to  kill  a  great  deal  of 
the  wheat,  which  was,  as  I  suppose,  just  beginning  to 
shoot  into  (he  ear.  Long  before  this,  f  presume  you 
Jiave  been  relieved  from  the  pinching  cold,  and  many 
inconveniencies  attending  it,  of  which  you  complained, 
when  writing  to  us,  in  January  and  February,  May 
the  return  of  the  spring  and  summer,  so  peculiarly  de- 
sirable in  your  climate,  be  attended  with  the  smiles  of 
Heaven,  on  your  temporal  and  spiritual  concerns  !  I 
have  seen  some  alarming  accounts  of  the  fever,  with 
which  you  were  so  extensively  and  deeply  afl3icted  in 
Farmington  last  year,  having  appeared  and  proved  very 
fatal,  in  some  families  in  Hartford.  It  must  be  an  aw- 
ful scourge  where  it  prevails.  May  the  Lord  in  his 
mercy  arrest  its  progress  ;  or  sccompany  it  with  his 
sanctifying  blessing,  to  those  who  are  called  to  suffer 
under  it  \ 


382  LETTERS. 

Together  with  yourself,  and  near  connexions,  we  have 
often  and  often  recollected,  with  peculiar  satisfaction, 
the  many  valuable  and  dear  friends,  with  which  you  are 
surrounded,  and  with  which  we  had  the  pleasure  of  be- 
coming a  little  acquainted,  during  our  short  visit.  As- 
sure them,  as  you  have  opportunity,  of  our  very  grate- 
ful and  affectionate  remembrance.  The  names  of  indi- 
viduals I  am  afraid  to  begin  to  mention,  as  they  are  yo 
many:  and  some  might  be  undesignedly  omitted,  I 
always  think  of  them  as  forming,  not  merely  a  numer- 
ous, well  instructed,  orderly,  respectable  church  and 
congregation;  but  as  members  of  one  family,  who,  ex- 
perimentally, know  how  good  and  pleasant  it  is,  for 
brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity. 

As  a  society  thev  are,  in  my  view,  highly  privileged 
in  having  among  them  so  large  a  proportion  of  the  truly 
honorable,  and  worthy,  and  2:ood  ;  qualified,  by  their 
intelligence  and  their  principles,  to  serve  the  cause  and 
to  recommend  the  religion  of  the  gospel.  And  here, 
you  may  be  sure,  I  do  not  forget,  or  leave  out  of  view, 
those  serious,  pious,  and  excellent  young  ladies,  whose 
cultivated  minds,  amiable  dispositions,  and  pleasing 
manners,  soon  constrained  us  to  esteem  and  love  them, 
while  by  their  very  polite  and  friendly  attentions  to  us, 
we  felt  ourselves  peculiarly  honored  and  gratified.  May 
the  Lord  bless  them,  and  make  them  blessings,  indeed, 
fo  their  families  and  connexions,  and  to  the  church  of 
Christ,  as  worthy  and  ornamental  members  of  it  !  The 
union  between  your  worthy  pastor  and  his  dear  H.  is, 
we  trust,  by  the  blessing  ^f  heaven,  made  a  source  of 
rich  and  growing  hapfUness  to  themselves ;  and  it  is 
our  prayer  and  hope,  that  he,  in  his  special  and  highly 
important  and  interesting  relation  to  the  church  ;  and 


iiETTERS.  38g 

that  she,  in  her  sphere,  as  his  nearest  connexion  and 
most  endeared  friend,  and  affectionate  helper,  in  the 
spiritual  as  well  as  in  the  natural  life,  may  be  the  honor- 
ed instruQients  of  diffusing  much  good  and  happiness, 
among  their  friends,  and  through  the  commnnitj,  as  far 
as   their  activity  and  influence  can  be  extended  ! 

It  is  very  pleasing  to  us  to  hear,  that  our  venerable, 
friend f  Mr.  P.  continues,  at  his  advanced  age,  to  enjoy  a 
comfortable  state  of  health ;  while  with  the  decline  of  the 
outward  man,  his  inward  man  seems  to  be  renewed  daj 
by  day,  and  his  heart  to  become  more  and  more  warm- 
ed with  the  love  of  God  and  man,  and  his  soul  thus  ad- 
vancing in  its  preparation  and  meetness  for  the  blessed 
society  of  the  spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect.  His 
friendship  for  you  has,  no  doubt,  had  its  influence  in 
leading  him  to  think  and  speak  more  highly  of  us,  than 
he  ought  to  think  or  speak.  I  should,  doubtless,  be 
very  much  mortified^  if  not  humbled,  at  the  thought, 
that  nobody  should  tliink  or  speak  favourably  of  me  ; 
and  yei  I  cannot  help  feeling  ashamed  of  myself,  when 
honored  with  any  expressions  or  testimonies  of  the 
friendly  regards  of  the  wise,  the  worthy,  and  the  good^ 
conscious  how  little  1  deserve  their  favour.  Never  was 
there  a  son  of  fallen  Adam,  who  had  more  reason  than 
I  ha\e  to  say,  continually,  and  with  respect  to  every 
movement  of  my  heart,  and  action  of  my  life,  "  God  be 
merciful  to  me  a  sinner  !"  We  hope  that  the  health  of 
your  excellent  old  friend,  the  honorable  and  the  good 
Lieut.  Governor  T.  is  still  continued,  that  together  with 
his  family,  he  finds  all  the  Lord's  dispensations,  whether 
comfortable  or  afflicting,  to  be  paths  of  mercy  and 
truth ;  and  that  he  will  yet  be  spared  to  do  much  good 
in  church  and  state  on  earth,  before  he  is  called  to  en- 


384  LETTERS. 

ter  into  his  rest  in  heaven.  But  contrary  to  my  plan,  I 
am  beginning  to  particularize,  in  speaking  of  friendi 
around  you ;  and  am  tempted  now  to  name  your  good 
deacons,  and  the  several  families  of  C.  M.  R.  C.  &c. 
&c.  &c.  but  I  must  stop  here,  with  the  request,  that 
our  united  love  and  best  wishes,  may  be  presented  to 
them  all  and  every  one,  as  if  they  were  severally  nam- 
ed, including  especially  your  sisters  and  brothers,  and 
their  and  your  dear  children.  As  to  yourself y  rest  as- 
9Bured,  that  we  continue  io  love  you  as  dearly  and  sin- 
cerely as  ever  ;  and  while  we  tenderly  sympathize  wilh 
you  under  the  renewed  deaths,  sicknesses,  and  various 
afflictions,  in  which  you  are  from  time  to  time  called  to 
bear  your  part  of  sufferings,  we  are  at  the  same  time 
consoled  with  the  persuasion,  that  all  are  appointed  and 
ordered  in  love,  and  will  be  sanctified  to  the  further- 
ance of  your  salvation,  and  the  increase  of  your  ever- 
lasting happiness.  And  surely  you  can  have  no  cause 
to  complain,  if  it  pleases  your  wise  and  gracious  Lord, 
in  the  furnace  of  affliction,  to  brighten  your  future 
crown  of  glory. 


SAAC    S.    EEITH. 


TO    MBS.    W, 


•  N  THE  DEATH  OF  HER  S0». 


MEW  YORK,  JULY  9,  180S. 

x  OUR  kind  letter,  our  very  dear  friend,  which 
you  wrote  at  Middleton,  under  date  of  the  4th  inst.  we 
have  just  now  received.     How  little  did  we  apprehend, 


LETTERS.  385 

after  having  received  and  read  so  many  letters  from 
jou,  comnuinicating  so  aiuch  pleasure  and  satisfaction, 
that  your  next  wouhl  be  the  raessenger  of  such  sorrow- 
ful tidings,  and  penetrate  our  hearts  with  pain,  instead 
of  filling  them  with  joy !  But  alas  !  what  are  the  most 
flattering  worldly  prospects,  and  the  most  pleasing  cal- 
culations founded  upon  them  !  The  storm  of  affliction 
had  beaten  heavily  upon  you,  and  laid  your  best  earth- 
ly support,  and  dearest  mortal  comfort  in  the  dust. 
Your  sky,  however,  seemed  to  be  clearing  up,  and  the 
sun  of  prosperity  had  begun  again  to  shine  upon  you. 
But  the  black  cloud  has  again  gathered  around  you, 
and  drawn  you  again  into  the  house  of  mourning  ;  and 
to  the  feelings  of  nature,  and  especially  to  the  tender 
sensibilities  of  a  widowed  mother's  heart  :  how  gloomy 
now  the  scene,  where  you  are  watering,  with  unavailing 
tears,  the  lovely  plant  which  you  were  cultivating  with 
the  most  affectionate  christian  care,  and  which  in  the 
morning  was  flourishing  and  growing,  as  one  of  your 
favourite,  rising  hopes  ;  but  which,  before  the  evening, 
was  cut  down  and  withered,  under  the  irresistible 
stroke  of  death  !  How  sudden  the  event,  how  affecting 
the  change  !  But  the  hand,  Oh  Lord,  was  thine !  A 
consideration  sufficient  to  silence  at  once  every  mur- 
mur, and  to  bow  the  soul  into  adoring  s!ibmission.  For 
the  Lord  doth  all  things  well,  and  all  that  he  does, 
concerning  you,  will,  I  doubt  not,  work  for  your  good. 
Only  be  now  still,  and  know  that  he  is  God  :  and  here- 
after, you  shall  know  what  he  has  done,  and  why  he 
has  done  so,  to  your  unspeakable  consolation  and  joy, 
and  to  his  everlasting  praise  ;  when  in  the  light  of  heav- 
en and  eternity,  all  that  is  now  obscure,  in  the  dispen- 
sations of  his  providence,  in  this  twilight  scene  shall 
49 


386 


LETTERS. 


exhibif  the  strokes  of  his  wisdom,  and  the  benignity 
and  munificence  of  hics  love,  in  full  meridian  splendour. 
There  and  I  hen  jou  will  see  and  know,  and  feel,  in  a 
manner  and  degree  far,  far  exceeding  your  present  ca- 
pacity, thai  God  is  Lo\e,  and  that  this  God,  your  Sa- 
viour, will  be  your  God  and  portion,  and  your  exceed- 
ing great  reward  for  ever  !  In  these  views,  and  in  this 
persuasion,  surely  you  will  weep  under  this  renewed 
sorrow,  as  though  you  wept  not.  Fain  would  I  be  the 
minister  of  comfort  to  you.  But  I  feel  my  own  insuffi- 
ciency, and  therefore  commend  you  to  the  God  of  all 
grace  and  comfort,  our  compassionate  Lord  and  Saviour, 
who  by  his  word  and  spirit  comforts  them  that  mourn, 
and  binds  up,  cheers  and  heals,  the  hearts  of  bis  dear 
people,  which  he  hath  wounded  and  broken,  not  for 
his  pleasure,  but  for  their  profit,  that  they  may  become 
in  a  larger  measure  partakers  of  his  holiness,  and  thus 
become  qualified  for  an  higher  degree  of  the  life  and 
happiness  which  can  be  found  only  in  his  favour.  AH 
that  we  can  do  for  you,  will,  I  trust,  be  done  with  some- 
thing of  the  spirit  of  human  and  christian  friendship  ; 
we  will  still  give  you  the  place  of  a  favourite  friend,  in 
our  afferfions,  and  in  our  sympathy  ;  and  we  will  en- 
deavour to  bear  you  on  our  hearts,  particularly  in  our 
prayers.  At  Ihe  same  time,  I  cannot  forbear  to  remind 
you  of  the  satisfaction  which  we  feel  on  your  account, 
and  of  the  ground  of  thankfulness  to  the  God  of  your 
and  our  merries,  which  is  afforded,  by  the  grace  and 
strength  which  he  has  manifestly  given  you,  (in  answer 
to  the  praver  of  faith)  to  prepare  you  for,  and  to  sup- 
port you  under,  the  renewed  trial  to  which  be  has  call- 
ed you.  It  would  seem,  indeed,  as  if  we  had  reason, 
rather  to  congratulate  you,  than   to  condole  with  you  ; 


LETTERS.  887 

on  account  of  (hose  repeated,  painful  trials,  with  which 
you  have  been  visited,  as  in  these  you  have  received 
the  distinguishing  tokens  of  your  Heavenly  Father's 
Jove,  who  chastens  those  whom  he  loves,  and  often 
scourges,  most  severely,  those  whom  he  receives  with 
pecuh'ar  regard  and  honor  ;  and  as  under  these  trials, 
he  has  so  remarkably  furnibhed  you  with  strength  ac- 
cording to  your  day,  and  with  grace  to  enable  you  to 
glorify  him  in  the  day  of  visitation.  In  him  may  you 
still  be  enabled  to  hope,  to  trust,  and  to  rejoice,  as 
the  God  of  your  salvation,  and  the  portion  of  your 
soul  ;  and  may  he  still  be  with  you,  to  keep  you 
and  to  bless  you,  to  bless  you  by  all  his  dealings  with 
you,  and  to  conduct  you  in  the  right,  the  best  way,  to 
that  everlasting  rest  which  reraaineth  for  his  people! 

How  melancholy  is  the  account  which  you  give,  of 
the  prevalence  and  the  ravages  of  that  fatal  epidemic, 
the  spotted  fever,  in  Farmington,  and  the  towns  adja- 
cent ;  under  which  not  only  your  dear  Joseph  Ebene' 
ser,  ("in  whom  you  have  lost  the  name,  and  a  very 
striking  portrait  of  your  late  husband,  deservedly  most 
dear  to  you,")  but  many  olher  of  your  very  near  and 
dear  friends,  have  fallen  the  lamented  victims,  "  cut  oflf 
in  the  midst  of  life  and  usefulness  I*'  May  it  please 
the  Lord  speedily  to  say,  to  this  destructive  scourge, 
*<It  is  enough  !"  and  restore  that  precious,  but  too  gen- 
erally abused  blessing  of  health,  to  the  people,  who 
have  been  visited  with  this  awful  chastisement  of  his 
holy  hand  !  to  those  who  have  been  called  to  mourn 
under  it,  the  loss  of  nearest  connexions  and  dearest 
friends  ;  may  he  vouchsafe  his  supporting,  sanctifying, 
comforting  grace  :  and  to  the  inhabitants  generally, 
may  the  alarm  and  the  distress  which  it  has  occasioned, 


388  LETTERS. 

be  abunclantl}'-  compensated,  by  the'Jjoiiring  out  of  his 
spirit  from  on  high  upon  them,  and  by  a  glorious  re- 
vival of  the  work  of  his  grace  among  them,  whereby 
multitudes  may  be  turned  from  their  sins,  the  causes  of 
all  God's  judgments,  and  engaged  to  fly  for  refuge,  io 
lay  hold  on  the  hope  set  before  them,  in  the  Saviour 
of  sinners,  in  whom  they  will  be  secure  from  all  that  is 
truly  formidable  in  sickness  and  death,  and  in  whom 
they  may  at  all  times,  and  in  all  circumstances,  triumph 
in  the  hope  of  a  blessed  and  a  glorious  immorlalily  ! 

Tiie  goodness  and  mercy  of  the  Lord,  have  remarka- 
bly attended  us  hitherto,  since  we  left  home,  by  sea 
and  by  land  :  and  my  health  seems  to  be  already  sensi- 
bly improved.  Oh  for  humble,  thankful,  obedient 
hearts  ! 

On  the  11th  or  12th  inst.  we  expect,  wifh  Divine 
permission,  to  proceed  on  our  journey  eastward.  As 
we  travel  slowly,  and  occasionally  stay  a  little  time 
•where  we  find  it  convenient  and  agreeable,  we  may  not, 
perhap:5,  reach  Middleton  till  the  week  following,  say 
about  the  20th.  Wilh  a  melancholy  satisfaction,  if  the 
Lord  so  appoint,  we  will  meet  you  there.  How  much 
greater  would  have  been  the  pleasure  of  meeting  you 
at  home  in  Farmington,  with  your  family  and  friends 
around  you  in  health  and  peace  !  But  the  Lord  knows 
best  what  is  best  for  us,  and  his  will  be  done  !  My 
dear  Jnne  is  very  well,  and  in  christian  love  to  you  and 
yours,  very  cordially  joins  with  your  very  affectionate 
friend, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 


LETTERS.  389 


TO    DR.    F. 

CHARLESTON,    OCTOBER   S,    180». 

MY    DEAR    FRIEND, 

Your  kind,  and  good,  and  interestingletter, extend- 
ing from  the  30(h  of  August,  to  the  7(h  of  September, 
and  reaching  me,  at  this  great  distance,  within  the  space 
of  twenty  three  days,  viz.  on  the  30th  ult.  after  talking 
leave  of  your  pen,  I  now  begin  to  acknowledge,  in 
the  hope  that  this  may  be  finished  in  time  for  travelling 
to  you,  in  the  course  of  a  month  at  the  farthest,  from 
the  present  date. 

Some  two  or  three  months  ago,  I  received,  in  a 
package  with  other  books,  &.c.  from  Philadelphia, 
some  two  or  three  copies  of  the  Report,  &c.  of  the  Bi- 
ble Society,  lately  established  in  that  city,  but  with- 
out any  letter  accompanying  them.  On  the  subject  of 
the  establishment  of  a  similar  society  in  this  city,  I 
have  thought  again  and  again,  and  the  result  of  my  re- 
flections is,  that  the  attempt  is  not  likely  to  be  attend- 
ed with  the  success  that  would  be  desirable.  Among 
the  reasons  which  have  led  to  this  conclusion,  are,  1st, 
The  existence  of  the  Society  for  promoting  the  inter- 
ests of  religion,  consisting  of  members  belonging  to  our 
own  congregations  here,  &c.  which  embraces  the  gra- 
iuitous  distribution  of  the  Bible,  as  one  of  its  leading 
objects  ;  and,  2dly,  and  chiefly,  the  difficulty  which 
exists  here,  of  collecting,  with  any  tolerable  punctuality, 
the  annual  contributions,  which  may  be   subscribed  t© 


390  LETTERS. 

the  support  of  Institutions,  of  a  character  so  purely  re- 
ligious. Liberal  donations,  in  proportion  to  the  re- 
sources of  the  donors,  to  charitable  purposes,  humane 
and  pious,  may  be  obtained  here,  with  as  much  facili- 
ty, perhaps,  as  in  any  part  of  our  land,  city,  or  coun- 
try. But  annual  contributions,  subscribed  to  the 
same  purposes,  do  not  seem  to  be  well  recollected,  at 
the  time  when  they  are  due  ;  and  they  are  often  alto- 
gether, and  for  ever  forgotten,  or  at  least  neglected. 
Whether  this  may  be  occasioned  by  the  heat,  or  any 
other  quality  of  our  climate  or  atmosphere,  relaxing 
the  tenacity  of  the  memory,  and  rendering  it  incapable 
of  extending  itself  to  the  distance  of  a  year,  so  as  to 
recollect  distinctly,  and  to  meet  cheerfully,  the  return 
of  an  annual  period,  when  it  comes  round,  demanding 
again  the  money,  which  having  been  once  paid,  was  no 
more  thought  of  ;  as  to  be  paid  again,  is  a  question, 
which  I  leave  to  you,  as  a  medical  man,  a  chymist,  and 
a  philosopher,  to  solve.  In  the  mean  time,  I  have  the 
satisfaction  of  informing  you,  that  a  subscription  paper, 
headed  by  one  of  those  pamphlets,  has  been  lately  put 
in  motion  among  us,  and  that  within  a  few  days,  while 
it  was  in  my  hands,  were  obtained  three  subscriptions 
of  fifty  dollars  each,  with  some  others  from  twenty, 
down  to  five  dollars,  amounting  to  upwards  of  two  hun* 
dred  dollars,  as  donations  to  the  Philadelphia  Bible 
Society,  It  has  since  been  committed  to  the  attentions 
of  a  friend,  who  I  presume  has  obtained  considerable 
additions  to  the  above  sum  ;  and  after  receiving  it 
again,  I  hope  to  have  an  opportunity  of  handing  it  to 
some  other  friends,  with  further  success  ;  say,  now,  $270, 
Giving  the  Bible  to  those  who  are  not  able  to  purchase 
if,  or  w^o  would  have  their  attention  to  it  particular- 


LETTERS,  391 

1/  excited,  by  the  circumstance  of  their  receiving  it  as 
a  present,  has  long  been  regarded  by  me  as  one  of  the 
most  important  and  promising  objects,  to  which  the 
charity  of  christians  can  be  directed  ;  and  more  espec- 
ially so,  the  iiiving  of  the  Bible,  in  their  native  la jigua- 
ges,  to  the  Heathen  nations,  who  are  capable  of  read- 
ing it,  and  who  are  willing  to  receive  and  read  it,  when 
thus  presented  to  them.  Thus  disposed,  it  seems  are 
many,  very  many,  among  the  various  populous  nations 
of  the  East,  at  this  day.  And  what  christian  can  for- 
bear most  cordially  wishing,  "  God  speed,"  to  those 
noble  spirited,  generous  hearted  lovers  of  Jesus,  and 
friends  of  Zion,  who  are  at  this  day,  thus  giving  the 
Book  of  God  to  those  people,  who  have  been  so  long 
destitute  of  its  Di\ine  and  saving  light;  and  there- 
fore perishing,  because,  in  their  regions,  there  has  beea 
no  such  heavenly  vision,  to  guide  them  into  the  way 
of  salvation  T 

October  9th.  Have  you  seen  the  Star  in  the  East  ? 
I  mean  Dr.  Buchanan's  Missionary  Sermon,  lately 
preached  in  England,  and  published  un(\er  this  title  .^ 
If  not,  you  have  a  pleasure  yet  to  come.  If  is  truly 
an  evangelical,  eloquent,  and  most  excellent  discourse, 
and  gives  us  more  satisfactory  information,  respecting 
the  progress  and  the  triumphs  of  the  gospel,  in  the 
countries  of  the  East,  than  any  publication  which  I 
have  seen.  He  tells  the  people  of  Britain,  that  they 
have  it  in  their  power,  greatly  to  promote  the  cause  of 
Christianity  in  India,  but  that  they  have  no  power  to  de- 
stroy it ;  that  it  would  be  as  easy  to  extinguish  Christ- 
ianity in  Great  Britain,  as  in  India  ;  where  there  are 
thousands,  and  hundreds  of  thousands  of  christians, 
and  that  while  the  people  of  Great  Britain  are  contend- 
ing, whether  it  be  a  proper  thing  to  convert  the  Hin- 


392  LETTERS. 

doos,  they  will  go  on  extending  the  bounds  of  their 
churches,  and  enjoying  the  ble«sings  of  the  gospel,  re- 
gardless of  all  opposition.  What  christian  heart  will 
not  leap  for  joy,  at  such  good  news,  and  what  christian 
hand  would  not,  if  it  had  opportunity,  open  itself  wide  in 
ministering  to  the  support,  and  proaiotioii  of  so  glorious 
a  cause  ?  On  the  last  sabbath  of  September,  I  took  the 
liberty  of  presenting  in  my  discourse,  souie  extracts  to 
my  hearers,  from  this  admirable  sermon,  and  of  com- 
mending it  to  their  perusal.  In  the  course  of  the  Tues- 
day following,  of  an  hundred  copies  that  were  on  sale^ 
at  M's  book  store,  not  one  remained  to  be  purchased. 
But  a  new  supply  is  ordered. 
I  am,  very  affectionately,  yours, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITKf, 


TO    DR.    F. 

CHARLESTON,  DECEMBER    15,  181f. 
MY    DEAR    FRIEND, 

The  death  of  Major  Lawrence  must  be  deeply 
felt  as  an  heavy  loss,  to  his  family  and  friends,  and 
also  to  your  church,  of  which  he  was  an  eminently  wor- 
thy member  and  deacon,  and  a  zealous,  active,  libera! 
supporter.  To  himself,  I  doubr  not,  it  has  been  gain 
indeed,  gain,  unspeakably  great  and  everlasting  I 
Through  a  mistake,  respecling  a  message  left  at  my 
house,  when  I  was  out,  I  did  not  know  of  his  being  in 
town,  when  he  made  his  late  and  last  visit  to  this  city, 
till  he  had  been  several  days  at  Mrs.  S's.  I  called  to 
see  him  there  two  or  three  times.     The  scene  on  those 


LETTERS.  593 

occasions,  was,  in  my  view,  interesting  and  instructive 
to  all  concerned  ;  and  consoling  and  animating  to  the 
friends  of  Jesus  and  of  Zion,  in  a  degree  which  I  have 
rarelj  seen  equalled,  and  still  more  rarely,  if  ever,  sur- 
passed.    His  views  of  Christ,  as  the  most  needful,  and 
suitable,  and  sufficient,  and  precious  Saviour  ot  his  &oul : 
his  faith,  trust,    and   hope  in  him,    his   grateful  love  to 
him,  and  his  calm,   sweet  |ubmission  to  his  holy  will, 
and  wise  disposal  ;  his  affectionate  desire  to  live  to  the 
Lord,   his  Maker  and    Redeemer,   and  to  die  to  him, 
and  to  glorify  and  enjoy  him  for  ever  :  his  cordial  sat- 
isfaction  and    cheerful   confidence    in   committing   his 
family,    and    friends,  and    the    church,  to  the  care  and 
keeping,   and    blessing  of  the  same    gracious    God  and 
Saviour,  with  whom  he  had  intrusted  his  own  soul, and  all 
his  interests,   temporal,  spiritual  and  eternal  ;  and   the 
unaffected    humility,  which    he  manifested,  as  flowing 
from  a  deep  sense  of  his  sinfulness  and   unworthiness  ; 
all  combined  to    throw  such  a  lustre  around  the  scene, 
in  which  this  good   man   was  suffering  and  glorifying 
God,  as  made  it  appear  indeed,  to  be  privileged  beyond, 
far  beyond,  the  brightest   and    most  admired  scenes  o^ 
worldly  joy.     In  this  case,   surely  we  may  well  "  con- 
gratulate  the  dead,  and  crown  his  tomb  with  wreathes 
triumphant."     While    affection  and  friendship,   while 
humanity  and  piety,  drop  their  tears  to  his  memory,  let 
his  example,  as  it  displayed  the  power  of  Divine  grace 
in  his  life,  and  in  his  death,  excite  and  engage  us  to  be 
better  followers  of  him,  and  of  all  them,  who  through 
faith  and  patience  have  gone  to  inherit  the  promises  of 
grace  fulfilled  in  glory  ! 

I  still  feel,  as  I  have  been  accustomed  heretofore  to 

feel,  very  sensibly  for  your  little  church,  tossed  by  s© 
50 


394  LETTERS. 

many  sforms,  and  tried  in  so  many  ways.  But  if  our 
Lord  has  a  cause  to  support  among  you,  he  will  not 
leave  you  helpless,  nor  comfortless,  nor  liteless.  May 
you  not  take  encouragement,  from  the  things  which 
your  Lord  has  shewn  you  in  the  way  of  mercy  and  fa- 
vour, in  the  midst  of  all  your  difEculhes  and  fears,  that 
he  does  not  intend  to  kill  you,  and  that  he  will  not 
leave  you  to  perish  ?  Still  pray  and  hope,  and  wait 
for  a  time  of  reviving  and  refreshing  from  his  presence. 
Some  new  blessings,  I  hope  will  be  sent  to  you  by  the 
hand  of  your  worthy  pastor,  now  at  length  mercifully 
restored  to  you,  after  so  long  an  absence.  As  he 
cones  back  to  you  with  a  desirable  addition  to  his 
health,  which  stood  in  great  need  of  recruiting,  I  trust 
he  will  at  the  same  time,  have  come  to  you  again,  in 
the  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the  gospel  of  Christ  !  If 
it  be  the  will  of  the  great  Head  of  the  church,  to  up- 
hold you,  and  make  you  fruitful  as  a  branch  of  that 
church,  which  he  has  bought  with  his  blood,  and  which 
he  honors  with  his  constant  presence,  protection,  and 
favour;  he  will  provide  you  with  fiiends,  helpers,  and  re- 
sources, for  supporting  the  ordinances  and  ministrations 
of  his  gospel  among  you.  And  the  interpositions  of 
his  Providence,  for  this  purpose,  may  be  often  the  most 
confidently  expected,  by  a  bold  and  adventurous  faith, 
when  timid  reason,  and  cowardly  sense,  and  a  subtle, 
malicious  adversary,  would  tempt  you  most  to  despond. 
**  What  time  I  am  afraid,  I  will  trust  in  the  Lord." 
Truly  my  soul  waiteth  upon  God,  from  him  comethmy 
salvation.  "  My  soul,  wait  thou  only  upon  God,  for 
my  expectation  is  from  hirn.  He  only  is  my  rock  and 
my  salvation  ;  he  is  my  defence,  1  shall  not  be  mov- 
ed,'' &c.* 

*  Psalm  Ixii. 


LETTERS.  395 

Our  Bible  Societj,  is  just  beginning  to  distribute  its 
Bibles,  with  (he  prospect  of  increasing  demand  upon 
its  funds,  as  soon  as  its  charitable  design  shall  be  ex- 
tensively known.  General  P.  lately  sent  us  a  ^50 
Bank  Note,  informing  us,  that  he  believed  he  could  dis- 
tribute a  considerable  number  of  Bibles  in  his  neigh- 
bourhood, with  advantage.  We  enrolled  him  a  mem- 
ber for  life,  and  sent  hi-n  three  dozen  Bibles.  More 
than  a  dozen  dozen  have  been  applied  for,  to  supply 
the  wants  of  the  poor  in  other  quarters  ;  and  it  is  not 
doubted,  that  applications  will  increase,  as  distribu- 
tions are  made.     Farewell. 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 


TO    MR.    J.    S. 
CHAKLESTOWN,    (MaSS.)  AUGUST  llth — 14th,  1808. 

MY    DEAR    SIR, 

About  the  20lh  of  Jidy,  while  we  were 
in  Middleton,  Connecticut,  a  very  acceptable  letter, 
written  by  your  good  daughter  M.  our  much  esteemed 
friend,  together  with  another  from  Mr.  H.  came  safely 
to  hand.  The  receipt  of  M's  letter  was  acknowledged, 
in  a  long  letter  which  J.  had  been  writing  ;  and  it  is  hop- 
ed that  it  may  have,  in  due  time,  found  a  safe  con- 
veyance to  Charleston.  As  my  little  secretary  crowd- 
ed half  a  dozen  pages  of  her  letter  to  her  friend,  with  a 
\ariety  of  particulars  relative  to  our  journey,  the  de- 
lightful scenes  through  which  we  had  passed,  and  the 
many  acquaintances  and  friends,  new  and  old,  with 
whom  we  had  (he  pleasure  of  spending  some  time  oh 


396  LETTERS. 

our  way,  and  especiallj  respecting  our  very  dear  friend, 
Mrs.  W.  and  several  of  her  worthy  connexions,  &c.  &c. 
I  refer  you  to  those  communications  for  the  information, 
which  I  know  you  and  all  your  good  family  would  be 
desirous  of  receiving  from  us,  after  our  departure  from 
Philadelphia  ;  and  I  am  happy  in  being  able  to  come  off 
so  well,  in  having  your  friendly  wishes  in  this  respect 
gratified,  without  being  obliged  myself  to  undertake  the 
task,  which  she  has  executed  with  much  more  facility, 
and  much  more  minutely  and  satisfactorily,  than  it 
would  have  been  done  by  my  own  pen.  There  is,  in- 
deed, scarcely  any  employment  more  burdensome  and 
fatiguing  to  me,  than  that  of  writing.  Let  not  the  three 
4to  sheets,  w-hich  I  sent  you  from  PJiiladelpbia,  or  this 
folio  now,  be  interpreted  as  furnishing  a  contradiction 
to  the  preceding  observation ;  for  one  principal  reason 
of  ray  giving  you  such  lengtliy  scrawls,  when  I  do  take 
up  my  pen,  is,  because  I  do  not  calculate  on  writing  oft- 
en. Yet  you  see  that  I  am  not  disposed  to  be  cere» 
rnonlous  with  you,  as  I  do  not  wait  for  an  answer  to  my 
long  letter  sent  from  Philadelphia,  before  I  begin  again, 
with  some  prospect,  if  I  can  find  leisure  sufficient,  of 
filling  up  for  you  the  formidable  sheet  now  before  me. 
I  am  indeed  sorry  that  there  was  such  an  apology  to 
be  offered  in  3  our  behalf,  for  omitting  to  write  to  me,  as 
that  suggested  in  M's  letter,  viz.  the  great  debility 
which  you  ^e\t,  under  the  oppressive  heat  of  the 
weather.  In  that  respect,  I  hope  from  the  agreeable 
changes  of  the  weather,  you  may  have  experienced  de- 
sirable relief  from  time  to  time  ;  and  at  all  events,  I 
persuade  myself,  that  as  is  your  day,  so  will  be  your 
strength,  especially  in  the  inward  man.  And  highly 
privileged,  and  eminently  favoured,  shall  wc  respective- 


LETTERS.  897 

\y  be,  if  the  strength  of  our  Lord   and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  be  made  perfect   in  our  weakness;  and   if  his 
grace  be  made  sufficient  for  us,  in  all  the  seasons  and 
circumstances  of  life,  and  especially  in  its  closing  scene, 
the  solemn,  trying  hour  of  death,  how  important,  how 
desirable,  when  in  that   interesting  hour,  our  heart  and 
flesh  shall  fail  us,  to  have  the  Lord  our  Redeemer  then 
with  usj^s  the  strength  of  our  heart,  and  the  portion  of 
our  souls  for  ever  !    And  thus  shall  all  be  favoured  and 
blessed,    who  have   li\ed  by  faith  in  him,  as  the  Lord 
their  righteousness  and  strength.     They  who  are  pre- 
pared  to  die,   in  and  through  him,  shall  be  made  more 
than  conquerors  over  the   last  enemy  ;   and   when  dis- 
missed flora  the  labours  and  trials,  the  comforts  and  sor- 
rows of  earth  and  time,  shall  be  ever  with  their  Lord, 
beholding   his   glory,  and  partaking  of  his  joy.     May 
such  be   the  happiness   enjoyed  by  us,  and  by   all  in 
whose  present  and  everlasting  welfare,  we  are  bound  to 
feel  our  hearts  most  deeply  and  tenderly  interested. 

From  Middleton,  on  the  25th  July,  we  proceeded 
about  10  or  11  miles  to  Weathersfield,  accompanied  by 
our  friend  Mrs.  W.  On  the  2nh  we  dined  with  the 
Rev.  Dr.  M.  in  Weathersfield,  where  we  experienced  a 
cordial  hospitality,  and  very  polite  and  pleasing  atten- 
tions, during  the  few  hours  of  our  stay  in  that  worthy 
family.  Towards  the  evening  we  went  on  to  Hartford, 
having  still  the  pleasure  of  Mrs.  W's  company.  Her 
oldest  brother  lives  here,  who  is  a  very  pious  man,  and 
in  respect  to  religion,  is  much  blessed  in  his  family. 
We  spent  the  night  in  the  family  of  Mr.  N.  whose  wife, 
a  pious  and  worthy  woman,  is  a  daughter  of  Lieutenant 
Governor  T.  Mrs.  N.  had  been  lately  called  to  mourn 
the  death  of  a  sister,  the  pious  mother  of  five  or  six 


398  LETTERS. 

small  children,  one  of  Ihe  victims  of  the  falaJ  spotted  fe- 
ver, which  was  then  prevailing  in  Farmington.  Hav- 
ing enjojed  here,  a  scene  of  mingled  satisfaction  and 
sorrow,  we  set  out  on  our  journey  on  the  following  day 
at  an  early  hour,  leaving  our  highly  esteemed,  and 
very  affectionate  ftiend,  Mrs.  W.  with  mutual,  painful 
regret. 

From  Hartford  we  pursued  our  journey  through  a 
number  of  beautiful  totvns,  and  afterwards  through  some 
miles  of  niggt^d  country,  where  tiie  houses  were  few, 
and  steeples  rare,  to  the  flourishing;  town  of  Provi- 
dence, in  the  state  of  Rhode  Island.  There,  with  a 
large  party  of  ladies  and  gentlemen  from  Boston,  we 
dined  ;  and  after  dinner,  turning  out  of  the  direct 
course  for  Boston,  we  went  down  to  Bristol,  (R.  1.) 
where,  from  Friday  evening  till  Monday  morning,  we 
staid  at  the  hospitable  mansion  of  Mr.  J.  R.  elder 
brother  of  Mr.  N.  R.  of  our  city.  He  is  a  worthy  and 
good  man,  and  gave  me  reason  to  hope,  that  he  would 
at  length  join  himself  to  the  church,  which  he  has  for 
many  years  thought  of  doing,  but  from  an  apprehension 
of  his  unworthiness,  has  till  now  omitted.  His  sister 
has  been  long  in  communion  with  the  church,  and  is  a 
most  agreeable  woman,  and  excellent  christian.  The 
simplicity  and  godly  sincerity,  and  the  cordial  fiiend- 
ship,  with  which  we  were  received  and  entertained  by 
these  worthy  persons,  and  the  desirable  opportunity 
which  we  had,  for  enjoying  with  them  the  freedoms  of 
christian  conversation,  made  our  time  pass  there  very 
pleasantly  indeed  ;  and  I  hope  it  was  not  altogether 
spent  in  vain.  On  Monday  morning  they  kindly  ac- 
companied us  on  our  way  to  the  ferry,  two  miles  from 
their  house,  where  we   took  an   affectionate   leave   of 


LETTERS.  399 

them.  We  went  forward,  through  a  moat  delightful 
connfrj,  and  with  the  most  charming  land  and  water 
prospects  on  every  side,  to  Newport. 

On  Thursday,  the  4th  August,  we  turned  our  course 
again  for  Boston,  72  miles  distant  from  Newport  ;  and 
towards  the  evening  of  the  following  day,  passed 
through  that  ancient  and  renowned  town,  to  the  charm- 
ing habitation  of  our  very  worthy,  and  kind,  and  pleas- 
ant friends  ;  where  their  truly  benevolent  and  affection- 
ate attentions,  constrained  us  to  feel  ourselves  very- 
much  indeed  at  home. 

August  12th,  Mrs.  K.  is  much  better  this  morning, 
while  I  have  myself,  since  yesterday  morning,  been 
considerably  indisposed  with  a  cold  and  cough,  at- 
tended with  some  fever  ;  but  the  symptoms  to  day- 
seem  to  indicate,  that  the  indisposition  may  prove  to  be 
slight  and  transient.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  M.  are  well  ;  he,  as 
usual,  is  deeply  engaged  in  a  variety  and  multiplicity 
of  business,  and  takes  an  active  part  among  a  number  of 
faithful  brethren,  who  are  of  the  congregational  clergy 
of  this  state  ;  by  whose  united  counsels,  several  highly 
important  measures  have  been  adopted,  and  are  now 
carrying  into  execution,  with  a  zeal  worthy  of  the 
friends  of  Zion,  and  with  the  most  promising  prospect 
of  success,  for  the  support  and  promotion  of  evangelical 
truth,  and  of  the  church  which  the  Redeemer  has 
bought  with  his  blood,  A  nong  the  measures  alluded 
to,  are  the  forming  of  a  General  Association  of  the  nu- 
merous ministers  throughout  the  state,  who  love  and 
preach  the  doctrines  of  grace,  generally  denominated 
Calvinistic  ;  the  circulation  of  that  valuable  periodical 
work,  the  Panoplist,  the  publication  of  which  commenc- 
ed with  1250  copies,  and  has  now  risen  to  more  than 
4000,  the  collecting  of  a  new  church,  and  the  erectiojo 


400  LETTER?. 

of  a  spacious  house  of  worship  in  Boston,  and  the 
founding  of  a  Theological  school  at  Andover,  for  the 
purpose  of  securing  lo  pious  young  men,  candidates  for 
the  gospel  ministry,  the  best  means  for  pursuing  their 
studies  in  divinity,  and  acquiring  the  qualifications,  by 
which  they  may  be  prepared,  to  support  the  character, 
and  discharge  the  duties  of  pastors  and  teachers,  with 
the  greatest  honor  to  themselves,  and  benefit  to  the 
churches.  The  success  which  has  already  attended 
the  endeavours  to  obtain  adequate  funds,  for  this  excel- 
lent institution,  has  been  astonishingly  great,  and  seems 
to  afford  a  most  encouraging  evidence,  that  the  work  is 
of  the  Lord,  and  that  it  will  be  prospered  by  his  bless- 
ing. As  a  sample  of  the  auspicious  beginning  of  this 
great  and  good  work,  under  His  smiles,  who  has  the 
hearts  of  all  men  in  his  hands,  I  cannot  forbear  mention- 
ing the  names  of  a  few  of  its  benefactors,  and  the  amount 
of  the  truly  generous  and  noble  benefactions  by  which 
they  have,  with  the  highest  credit  to  their  own  chris- 
tian characters  and  principles,  expressed  their  appro- 
bation of  it,  and  their  pious,  ardent  zeal  for  its  establish- 
ment and  usefulness  :  viz.  Mr.  Norris,  of  Salem, 
g10,000;  Mr.  Brown,  of  Newburyport,  $10,000  ;  Mr. 
Rartlett,  also  of  Newburyporf,  in  cash,  g'20,000,  and 
funds  which  give  an  interest,  making  them  adequate  to 
the  further  sum  of  §15,000;  Mr.  Abbot,  of  Andover, 
^20,000  ;  Madam  Philips  and  son  erect  a  building,  valu- 
ed at  the  sum  of  16,000  ;  the  late  Lieutenant  Governor 
Philips  §5,000,  the  interest  for  charitable  distribution, 
in  religious  books,  &c.  All  the  above,  lately  given,  in 
addition  to  funds  previously  on  hand,  to  the  amount 
of  §20,000,  provided  for  the  support  of  theological  stu- 
dents, Sec.     And  from  one  of  the  above  gentlemen,  who 


LETTERS.  401 

is  advanced  in  jears  and  has  no  children  ;  the  patrons  of 
the  institution  expect  to  receive,  in  due  time,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  sum  of  ,^20,000  already  given,  the  further 
value  of  20  or  ,^30,000,  to  be  left  by  will  ;  say  amount 
total  ^140,000  or  160,000.  How  highly  privileged  are 
the  persons,  to  whom  the  Lord  has  graciously  given 
the  means,  with  the  heart,  for  performing  such  munifi- 
cent and  benciicial  acts  of  christian  charily  !  And  how 
animating  the  prospect  opened  by  the  word  of  God,  to 
all  who  love  Zion,  and  seek  her  good,  according  to  the 
means  in  their  power,  when  it  is  declared  that  they 
shall  themselves  prosper  ;  and  that  they  who  thus  sow 
bountifully,  shall  also  reap  bountifully.  I  had  forgot  to 
tell  you,  that  three  professors,  to  fill  three  departments 
in  this  contemplated  Theoloa;ical  SchooKare  already  ap- 
pointed :  viz.  Rev.  Dr.  Woods,  Dr.  Pearson,  late  of 
Cambridge  University,  and  Dr.  Griffin,  of  Newark, 
New  Jersey,  if  his  own  consent  ami  that  of  his  church 
can  be  obtained. 

It  has  c;iven  me  peculiar  pleasure  on  our  journey  to 
find,  that  in  many  of  the  churches  in  which  we  have  been, 
and  in  many  more  from  which  we  have  heard,  there  are 
pleasing  and  growing  revivals  of  religion,  confirming  the 
precious  truth,  that  when  the  enemy  of  the  church 
comes  in  like  a  flood,  to  overwhelm  the  church,  the  spirit 
of  the  Lord  shall  lift  up  a  standard  against  him,  and 
adapted  to  animate  the  praises  and  the  prayers,  and  ex- 
Citions  of  all  who  prefer  the  cause  of  Jerusalem,  involv- 
ing in  it  all  the  great,  itnmortal  interests  of  mankind, 
above  their  chief  joy.  It  is  my  prayer  and  hope,  that 
our  own  church,  to  which  I  feel  myself  united,  in  a  most 
interesting  relation,  and  by  many  of  the  most  endearing 

ties,  will  still  be  favoured  by  the  glorious  Head  of  the 
51 


402  LETTERS. 

church  universal,  with  a  rich  supply  of  those  blessings 
of  his  grace,  which  he  is  at  this  day  showering  down  so 
abundantly  on  other  branches  of  it.  May  he  preserve 
my  fellow  labourer  in  the  enjoyment  of  health  and 
strength,  and  abundantly  prosper  his  labours  of  love 
among  our  dear  people,  during  Fny  absence;  may  our 
Lord's  peace  and  blessing  be  wih  him  and  his  family, 
and  the  whole  church  ;  and  may  his  prayers,  and  those 
of  the  church,  in  which  we  desire  still  to  be  kindly  re- 
membered, be  heard  and  answered,  in  such  blessings  of 
the  providence  and  grace  of  God,  as  may  be  best  for  us. 
Amidist  all  the  delightful  scenes  with  which  we  are  here 
surrounded,  and  the  very  pleasing  attentions  of  the  ma- 
ny, many  worthy  and  amiable  christian  friends,  whose 
society  we  have  been  and  are  daily  enjoyinsc,  our  hearts 
still  anticipate,  with  peculiar  pleasure,  the  desired  pe- 
riod when,  if  the  Lord  will,  we  shall  again  be  restored 
to  the  circle  of  our  affectionately  beloved  and  very  dear 
friends  in  Charleston,  among  whom  we  particularly 
number  yourself  and  your  good  family. 

In  love  and  best  wishes  to  you  all,  Mrs.  K.  cordially 
joins  with  your  friend, 

ISAAC    S.    EEITH. 


^liBTTBRS. 


4de 


TO    DR.     M. 


CHARLESTON,    SEPTEMBER   25,    tO  28,   1811, 

MY    DEAR    FRIEND, 

Your  favour  of  July  201b,   ult.  did  not  come 
to  hand  until  near  the  close  of  August.     Mr.  J.  L.  the 
bearer  of  it,    was  favoured  with  a  ^ely  fine  passage  of 
about    four  days.     We  were  glad  to  see  him   at   home 
again,  safe  and  well  ;  and  glad  to  receive  by  him,  your 
friendly  epistolary    communications,    always  welcome, 
and  highly  valued  ;  and  mingled  on  this  occasion  with 
the  pleasure  of  seeing  a  dear  friend,  who  had  so  lately 
seen  our  dear  friends,  in  such  good  health,  and  had  en- 
joyed the  hospitality  of  their  house,   and  the  overflow- 
ing benevolence    and   friendship  of  their    hearts,  with 
such  a  cordial  relish  and  high  satisfaction.     Right  glad 
indeed,  should    we  have  been,  to  have  partaken  of  the 
rich/east,  which  was  mutually  enjoyed  by  yourselves, 
Mr.  H.  Mr.  L.  &c.     And  not  less  glad  would  we  be  to 
have  you  both  here  again,  partaking  of  the  plain  fare  of 
our  friendship,  reciprocated  by  the  flow  of  your  souls. 
But  whether  such  a  desirable  season  of  personal,  pleas- 
ing,  interesting  intercourse,  is   ever  to  be  renewed,  in 

C ton  or  in   C town,  depends  entirely   on   the 

sovereign  will  and  wise  appointment  of  our  Lord,  in 
whose  hands  our  times  are,  and  whose  are  all  our  ways, 
and  who   doth   all  things  well,  whether  he  grants  or 


404  tBTTERS. 

withholds  {he  desires  of  our  hearts,  with  respect  to  the 
circumstances  or  events  of  tiiis  mortal  life.  May  he 
teach  us  his  wiil,  and  give  us  the  experience  of  that  pe- 
culiar happiness,  which  is  found  in  doing  it,  and  in  sub- 
mitting to  it  from  the  heart  I 

We  cannot  express  the  pleasure  which  we  have  felt 
in  hearing  from  time  to  time,  of  the  very  comfortable 
state  of  health  to  which  you  have  been  mercifully  re- 
stored, and  which  you  have  both  generally  enjoyed, 
since  your  visit  to  this  city.  Maj^  this  blessing  be 
long  continued  to  you  both,  for  your  own  comfort,  and 
for  the  temporal  and  eternal  benefit  of  many  others  ; 
and  especially  of  your  dear  children,  and  the  children 
of  friends,  towards  whom  you  are  acting  the  part  of  the 
most  affectionate  and  faithful  parents. 

Our  Bible  Society  has  succeeded  much  beyond  my 
first  expectations  in  its  favour.      I  intend  sending  you  a 
copy  of  the  printed  Report  of  its   proceedings,  during 
the  first  year  of  its  existence.     Our  church    is   blessed 
with  some  desirable  tokens  of  the  presence  and  blessing 
of  its  glorious  and  gracious  Lord  and  Head.     The  so- 
cieties meeting  in  our  house   on   Wednesday  evening, 
have    been    uncommonly  full,    through  the  spring  and 
summer,  and  the  attention  to  the  religious  exercises  on 
those  occasions,  has  been  close  and  solemn,  and  in  many 
instances,  especially  of  the  young    persons   attending, 
the   most   tender  and   serious  impressions  have    been 
manifested.     Several  of  these,  and  among  them,  Miss 
S.  H.  with  two  or  three  other  amiable  young  ladies,  are 
expected  to  join  the    church  on  the  next  sacramental 
season.     May  these  pleasing,  refreshing  drops,  increase 
fo  an  abundant  shower  of  grace,  and  many  more  happv^ 


1.ETTERS.  405 

individuals,  partaking  of  i(s  rich  blessings,  be  added  to 
the  church,  among  such  as  shall  be  saved. 

Thursday  morning,  26lh.  Last  evening,  the  societj 
here  was  still  larger  than  it  has  ever  been  before. 
The  number  must  have  amounted  to  but  little  short  of 
two  hundred  persons,  among  whom  were  a  considerable 
proportion  of  our  Episcopal  neighbours,  and  verj 
many  young  persons,  their  parents'  joy,  and  the  rising 
hopes  of  the  church.  May  the  Lord  bless  them,  and 
make  them  a  seed  to  serve  him,  and  honor  them  as  the 
instruments  of  transmitting  the  blessings  of  his  gospel 
to  the  generation  which  is  to  follow  them  ! 

You  have  no  doubt,  through  the  channel  of  the  news- 
paper^;,  received  sorne  information  of  the  dreadful  toV' 
nado,  which  passed  through  our  city,  on  the  10th  day 
of  this  month  ;  which  was,  in  the  suddenness  of  its  at- 
tack, the  rapidity  of  its  progress,  and  the  destructioa 
of  life  and  property  that  marked  its  course,  one  of 
the  most  awful  temporal  calamities  with  which  our  city 
has  ever  been  visited.  The  terrors  of  the  scene  far 
exceeded  all  the  descriptive  powers  of  language  ;  and 
imagination  itself  would  fain  shrink  from  the  contem- 
plation of  them.  When  we  think  of  a  multitude  of  the 
dwellings  of  men,  perhaps  an  hundred  or  more,  many  of 
which  were  among  the  fairest  and  strongest  in  our  city, 
assailed  by  the  violence  of  this  mighty  whirlwind,  and 
shaken  in  an  instant  into  heaps  of  ruins,  or  shattered 
and  damaged  to  a  degree,  but  little  short  of  destruc- 
tion ;  when  we  think  of  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of 
these  dwellings,  exceeding  at  least  half  a  score,  crush- 
ed, at  the  same  instant,  down  to  the  shades  of  death  ; 
while  others  scarcely  escaped  with  painful,  if  not  dan- 
gerous and  fatal  fractures  and  wounds  ;  and  others  again; 


40S  LETTERS. 

were  rescued  from  the  yawning  jaws  of  destruction 
almost,  if  not  entirely  unhurt,  as  by  miracles  of  mercy  ; 
and  when  we  ihink  of  this  destructive  tornado,  passing 
in  a  space  of  considerable  breadth,  say  60  or  TO  yards, 
from  one  extremity  of  our  cily  lo  another,  almost  with 
the  rapidity  of  lightning,  scarcely  giving  the  alarm  of 
its  approach,  before  the  desolation  attending  its  pro- 
gress was  completed  ;  oiir  souls  cannot  but  slill  shud- 
der at  the  recollection  of  a  scene  so  tremendous,  so 
distressing  in  its  circumstances  and  its  consequences  ! 

For  a  detailed  account  of  this  awful  calamity,  I  re- 
fer you  to  the  newspaper  which  accompanies  this,  the 
Times,  of  September  17th.  This  is  stated  to  be  a  re- 
vised account,  printed  a  week  after  the  dreadful  occur- 
rence. It  is,  however,  far  from  being  very  full,  and  in 
some  instances,  it  is  very  incorrect.  To  you,  howev- 
er, who  are  so  well  acquainted  in  this  city,  the  partic- 
ulars included  in  this  account,  the  best  that  has  yet 
been  published,  will  no  doubt  be  very  interesting  ;  and 
probably,  the  editors  of  your  papers,  may  not  have 
thought  if  necessary  to  communicate  such  a  detailed 
account  in  their  papers  ;  as  not  supposing,  that  in  this 
form,  it  would  command  much  of  the  attention  of  the 
public  in  your  region,  where  only  a  few  of  their  read- 
ers have  any  particular  knowledge  of  Charleston,  or 
its  inhabitants.  It  is  for  this  reason  that  I  send  the 
paper  above  mentioned,  under  the  same  cover  with  this. 

On  visiting  Mr.  R.  and  family,  the  day  after  the  ca- 
lamity, while  in  the  survey  of  the  very  great  injury 
done  to  his  spacious  and  elegant  mansion,  and  furniture, 
the  eye  could  not  fail  deeply  to  affect  the  heart.  It  was 
at  the  same  time  peculiarly  consolatory  and  gratifying, 
to  hear  the  whole  family  uniting  in  expressions  of  the 


lETTERS.  407 

warmest  grafifude,  to  the  adorable  Preserver  of  men, 
who  had  given  them,  in  the  midst  of  the  ruins  with 
which  they  were  surro?)nded,  their  own  lives  for  a  prey, 
without  havingsnfTered  any  material  injury  in  iheir  per- 
sons. 3Irs  R.  wi(b  the  piety  and  humility,  so  well 
becoming  her  christian  profession,  and  her  exemplary 
liberality,  in  which  she  and  her  worthy  husband  have 
Ions:  been  distinguished  and  honorable  rivals,  observed, 
"  that  probably  this  heavy  stroke  had  been  inflicted, 
as  a  correction  and  admonition,  for  the  purpose  of  ex- 
citing them  fo  make  a  better  improvement  of  the  posses- 
sions, with  which  a  bountifid  Providence  had  intrusted 
them,  and  to  do  more  good  with  them  in  future,  than 
they  had  heretofore  done;"  and  they, one  and  all,  con- 
curred in  expressins:  the  hope,  that  the  lives  which  the 
Lord  had  so  remarkably  made  his  care,  would  be  more 
unreservedly  devoted  to  him,  and  more  faithfully  em- 
ployed in  his  service.  As  in  all  cases,  so  especially 
in  such  seasons  and  circumstances,  how  glorious,  how 
amiable,  does  the  refigion  of  Jesus  appear  !  And  how 
secure  and  happy,  are  his  genuine  friends  and  followers, 
amidst  "  the  war  of  elements  and  the  crush  of  worlds  !" 
The  article  in  the  first  column  of  the  newspaper, 
which  mentions  the  singular  preservation  of  two  young 
ladies,  relates  to  the  family  of  our  friend,  the  |ion. 
Judge  D.  One  of  those  ladies  was  his  married  daugh- 
ter, Mrs,  G.  who  was  daily  looking  out  for  the  period  of 
her  confinement,  which  took  place  very  soon  after  she 
was  rescued  from  the  ruin;?  of  the  fallen  chambers,  with 
which  she  was  for  a  time  completely  covered,  and  un- 
der which  she  was  not  discovered,  by  her  astonished 
and  distressed  husband,  and  parents,  and  family,  until 
«he  was  enabled  to  speak,  and  begged  them  not  to  step 


40S  LETTERS. 

on  her.  She  was  not  lyin;  on  (he  bed,  but,  hav-, 
ing  gone  out  of  her  chamber  into  the  drawing  roooi^ 
where  most  of  the  family  were  together,  in  order  to  in- 
quire what  was  the  cause  of  the  alarm,  which  was  at 
first  supposed  to  be  a  dreadful  fire,  she  had  just  enter- 
ed her  chamber  again,  at  the  N.  E.  corner  of  the  house, 
when  she  met  the  glass  of  the  windows,  driven  furiously 
all  over  the  room,  and  hastened  towards  the  head  of 
the  bed,  for  the  purpose  of  siieltering  herself  with  the 
pillows  from  the  injury,  which  she  apprehended  from 
the  fragments  of  glass,  and  of  the  broken  sashes.  The 
negro  girl,  about  15  or  16  years  of  age,  who  was  killed 
by  her  side,  had  run  under  the  bed  at  the  same  time, 
to  avoid  the  same  danger  ;  and  her  sister  Eliza,  the 
next  daughter  younger  than  Miss  C  had  but  just  entered 
the  chamber,  w^en  an  immense  stack  of  chimnies,  con- 
taining five  or  six  funnels,  was  precipitated  through  the 
roof  of  the  house,  brin2;ing  along  with  it  the  floor  and 
ceiling  of  the  garret,  directly  over  this  chamber,  which, 
with  the  several  person*;,  and  all  the  articles  in  it,  was 
immediately  added  to  the  falling  mass,  and  the  whole 
accumulated  weight,  descending  lo  the  floor  of  the 
room  below,  carried  that  also  with  all  its  contents, 
down  to  the  cellar,  which  was  used  as  a  kitchen.  Out 
of  the  lower  room,  one  of  the  younger  sons  of  the  fami- 
ly had  fled  but  a  moment  before,  and  in  his  fright 
and  haste,  fell  over  the  sill  of  the  door,  where  one  of 
his  feet  was  just  grazed  by  some  of  the  falling  materi- 
als ;  and  out  of  the  kitchen  cellar,  an  elderly  black  wo- 
man, the  cook  of  the  family,  had  run  to  see  where  the 
supposed  fire  was,  and  a  negro  fellow,  who  heard  the 
crash  above,  had  the  presence  of  mind  to  jump  out  of 
the  window,  in  the   very  instant  before  the  place  was 


LETTERS.  409 

filled  with  the  desceiuling  nuns.     In  the  midst  of  these 
ruins,  some  of  (he   furniture  of  Mis.  G's  chamber,  di- 
rected by  the  invisible  hand  of  her  Almighty  and  most 
gracious  Protector,  had  fallen  around  and  over  her  in 
such  a  manner,  as  to  defend   her  in  a   great   measure 
from  the  bricks,  and  the  pieces  of  timber,  which  would 
otherwise,  probably,  have  overwhelmed   her  with  in- 
stant destruction.     She  suffered  only  some  flesh  bruises, 
which  she  Scarcely  felt   at   first,  but  which  have   since 
been  attended   with  considerable  pain,  but  from  which 
it  is  hoped   she  will  be   soon   happily  relieved.     Her 
unborn  infant,  a  fine   son,  escaped  unhurt.     Her  sister 
E.  was  but  slightly  bruised,  though  much  more  alarm- 
ed   and  agitated    than   herself.     Through   the  broken 
roof,  and   the    now   tremendous   void  space   between 
that  and  the  cellar,  the  rain,  which  followed  the  tornado, 
poured    down  like    a    torrent,    by   which   Mrs.  G.  and 
the  family,  anxiously  engaged  in  looking  for  her,  and  in 
extricating  her  from  her  most  distressing  and  perilous 
situation,   were    almost  as  effectually  drenched,  as    if 
they  had  been  plunged  into   a  river.     Yet   from   this 
circurnstance,  neither  she  nor  any  of  the  family,  I  be- 
lieve, has  suffered  any  inj'iry.     In  a  word,  the  circum- 
stances of  this  very  respectable  and  amiable  family,  on 
this  solemn  occasion,   were   peculiarly  affecting  and  in- 
teresting.    The  alarm  and  the  distress,   the  preserva- 
tion and  the  deliverance  experienced,  were  equally  re- 
markable.    Amidst  the  terrors  of  a  scene  unspeakably 
awful,  what  wonders  of  divine   power  and  mercy  were 
displayed  ?     The  heartu  of  the   family  generally,  and 
especially  of  (he  worthy  affectionate  parents,  have  been, 
IS  you   may  well  suppose,  very  tenderly  and  deeply 
irapreseed  with  the  sentiments  of  reverence,  adoration, 
62 


410  LETTERS. 

and  gratitude,  towards  Hiin  who  directed  and  centroll- 
ed  the  storm,  who  in  the  midst  of  judgment,  remem- 
bered and  shewed  mercy,  in  a  manner  so  remarkable, 
and  so  wonderful  !  May  their  souls  rejoice  in  his  salva- 
tion, spirifual  as  well  as  temporal,  and  all  their  lives  be 
praise  !  This  awful  and  destructive  tornado,  passed 
within  less  than  an  hundred  yards  of  our  house,  at  the 
intersection  of  Tradd  Street,  on  which  we  live  ;  and 
King  Street,  to  the  easlwaid  of  us,  where  it  did  some 
damage,  in  blowing  down  part  of  a  brick  wall  of  the 
garden,  and  blowing  off  some  of  the  slate  or  shingles 
from  the  roof  of  the  house.  We  distinctly  heard  the 
tremendous  roaring  of  this  mighty  wind,  from  its  first 
entrance,  and  the  commencement  of  its  ravages  in  our 
city.  The  sound  was  like  that  of  many  carriages,  rat- 
tling over  a  rough  pavement,  or  rather  like  that  of  many 
chiranies  on  fire,  and  in  full  blaze  at  the  same  time. 
We  at  first  supposed  it  to  be  thunder,  and  then  appre- 
hended* that  a  dreadful  fire  had  bursted  forth  in  the 
house  of  our  near  neighbour,  or  in  our  own  house  im- 
mediately over  oi!r  heads  ;  and  then  we  saw  a  multi- 
tude of  slates,  which  had  been  burled  through  the  air 
from  Mr.  R's  buildings,  mingled  with  shingles  and 
pieces  of  broken  laths,  and  rafters,  &c.  from  other 
houses  near  to  us,  falling  in  an  horrid  shower,  all  around 
our  habitation  ;  while  we  knew  not  yet  the  cause  of  all 
this  wild  uproar,  and  of  these  alarming  appearances, 
our  astonishment  and  agitation,  you  may  well  suppose, 
were  very  great  ;  never  indeed  greater,  if  ever  equalled, 
on  any  other  occasion.  The  desolation  made  in  our 
city,  was  completed  in  a  very  few  minutes,  and  we  re- 
mained for  some  time  in  a  state  of  painful  suspense, 
before  we  were  informed  of  the  nature,  and  the  ex- 


LETTERS.  411 

tent  of  the  calamity.  Oh,  how  peculiarly  merciful 
and  kind  was  the  protecting  care  of  our  God,  *•  who 
was  our  refuge,  and  covered  us  with  the  shadow  of  his 
wingn,  unJil  thia  calamity  was  overpast  j"  and  suffered 
not  **  the  evil  to  fall  upon  our  persons,  nor  to  come  nigh, 
or  nearer  to  our  dwelling!'*  May  our  lives,  and  all 
the  personal  and  domestic  comforts  of  (hem,  be  hence- 
forth consecrated  with  increased  gratitude,  affection, 
and  zeal,  to  the  service  and  glory  of  the  God  of  our  sal- 
vation and  of  our  mercies  ! 

On  the  following  sabbath,  I  endeavoured  to  stir  up 
my  own  heart,  and  to  engage  the  hearts  of  my  numer- 
ous hearers,  to  some  suitable  relis^ious  improvement 
of  this  awful  visitation  of  divine  Providence,  in  a  dis- 
course on  the  8th  verse  of  the  xlvi.  P»alm.  "  Come 
and  behold  the  works  of^the  Lord,  what  desolations  he 
hath  made  in  the  earth  !"  The  audience  was  remark- 
ably attentive  and  solemn,  and  the  minds  of  many,  it  is 
hoped,  were  usefully  impressed.  How  desirable 
would  it  be,  if  the  inhabitants  of  our  city  generally,  all 
of  whom  have  seen,  and  many  of  whom  have  deeply 
felt  the  judgments  of  God,  which  have  been  abroad 
among  us,  would  now  learn  righteousness  ;  would  now 
repent  and  turn  from  all  their  transgressions  ;  so  that 
iniquity  may  not  yet  be  their  ruin  I  And  may  the 
Lord  grant  us  his  grace,  to  dispose  and  constrain  us  to 
"  return  unto  Him,  who  hath  smitten  and  torn  us,  that 
he  may  heal  and  bind  us  up"  again  ;  and  by  a  glorious 
revival  of  his  work  of  grace,  and  display  of  his  sal- 
vation among  us,  give  us  "  to  see  good,  according  to 
the  days  in  which  we  have  seen  evil  I" 

Yours,  very  affectionately, 

ISAAC    6.    KEITH. 


422  LETTERS. 


TO    MRS.    H. 

ON    THE    DEATH    OF    HER    HUSBAND. 

CHAm.ESTON",    JUXE   22,    tJtIS, 

J-  HE  interesting  communication  from  tt:c  yen 
of  Mrs.  T.  under  date  of  April  ii7lb,  informing  i;-^  <  fil  e 
heavy  affliction  with  wbich  it  had  pleased  the  Lord  to 
Ti&it  you,  our  dear  friend,  by  taking  from  you,  with  a 
stroke,  your  dear  and  excellent  husband,  we  received 
indue  course  by  mail.  I  much  regret,  that  the  due  ac- 
knowledgment of  that  letter  has  been  so  long  delayed. 
This  has  been  occasioned,  partly  by  my  absence  in  the 
country,  and  partly  by  long  continued  bodily  indisposi- 
tion, produced  by  a  severe  cold,  which  has  unfitted  me 
for  almost  any  active  exertion,  and  has  made  the  labour 
of  writing,  especially,  extremely  irksome  to  me. 
My  health  is  now,  through  mercy,  a  little  better;  but 
when  in  the  best  state,  in  which  I  have  enjoyed  it  for  a 
considerable  time  past,  it  is  very  infirm  and  delicate  ; 
and  thus  it  is  adapted  to  remind  me,  that  *'  the  time  is 
short,'*  and  to  renew  from  day  today,  with  a  strong 
impression,  the  solemn  admonition,  "  Be  thou  also 
ready  !" 

Such  instruction  and  admonition  have  been  of  late,  in- 
deed, particularly  enforced,  as  with  "  line  upon  line," 
by  the  deaths  of  some  near  and  highly  valued  connex- 
ions and  friends  ;  especially  a  beloved  sister  in  Penn- 
sylvania, and  of  several  of  my  brethren  in  the  ministry. 
Considering  the  comparatively  small  number  of  gospel 


LETTEBS.  413 

ministers  in  this  country,  an  unusual  proportion  died  in 
the  course  of  the  past  summer  and  fall.  And  since 
your  visit  lo  I  he  soulhward,  no  less  than  three  of  that 
little  band  of  pious  and  worthy  brethren,  who  then  fre- 
quenlly  met  and  spent  many  pleasing,  impro\ing,  social 
hj/Hisi  toj;e flier  here,  and  al  the  same  time,  mingled 
their  anxiots  benevolent  feelings,  and  prayers,  and  ef- 
forts, for  accom()lishin2;  an  object  most  important  and 
desiral.le  to  individuals,  and  to  the  chuit  h  of  Christ 
onr  Ijoid,  ha\e  ceased  from  theii  labours,  and  gone  to 
the  rear  whi(  h  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God.  First 
Dr.  Abeel,  of  New  York,  then  Dr.  Clarkson,  of  John'i 
Island,  in  September  last  ;  and  now,  your  dear  Mr.  H, 
whose  memory  will  be  long  affectionately  cherished  by 
many  here,  as  well  as  by  many  more,  nearer  the  scenes 
of  his  principal  labours  and  usefulness. 

That  season,  remarkable  for  the  meeting  of  several 
of  the  worthiest  and  best  ministers  of  the  northern 
churches,  in  this  southern  region,  and  made  peculiarly 
pleasant  to  us  by  the  company  of  such  good  and  agreea- 
ble friends,  how  soon  did  it  pass  away  !  And  how  often 
Las  it  been  since  recoiled ed,  with  the  various  mingled 
eniotionsof  pleasure,  of  regret,  and  o{ apprehension  ;  the 
apprehension  that  it  was  not,  in  all  its  circumstances,  to 
be  ever  renewed  on  earth  ;  as  it  was  not  probable  that 
we  should  all  meet  again  on  (his  side  of  the  eternal 
world.  That  apprehension  has  been  painfully  realized, 
once  and  again,  in  the  cases  of  those  who  were  in  the 
succeeding  seasons  summoned  away  ;  and  now,  in  the 
case  of  your  dear  husband,  who  has  followed  them,  and 
again  met  with  them,  before  the  throneof  their  common 
Lord^  in  his  heavenly  kingdom  !     Happy  they,  wh» 


4!4  LETTERS. 

have  thus  entered  into  the  joy  of  their  Lord,  while  ttg 
£re  yet  left  to  mourn  here  below  ! 

Your  sorrows*,  my  dear  friend,  under  the  bereaving 
stroke  of  (he  holy  hand  of  God,  which  has  fallen  so 
heavily  upon  you,  are  shared  by  the  afFeelionate,  sym- 
pathizing hearts  of  a  number  of  kind  friends  here,  as 
well  as  by  our  own.  But  none,  I  believe,  experience 
indeed  has  taught  me  to  believe  that  none,  excepting 
those  who  have  felt  it,  can  properly  estimate  the  great- 
ness and  poignancy  of  the  affliction,  involved  in  the 
loss  of  the  best  of  friends,  long  enjoyed  in  <he  nearest 
and  tenderest  of  all  mortal  connexions,  and  possessed 
in  an  high  degree  of  the  qualifications  which  made  them 
the  most  desirable  and  valuable  companions  and  help- 
ers, in  all  the  variety  of  circumstances  and  interests, 
pertaining  to  life  and  godliness.  They  who  are  called 
to  suflfer  such  a  loss  as  this,  have  reason  indeed  to  say, 
"  I  am  the  person  that  has  seen  affiiclion.'*  Such  is 
the  language  which  you  have  now  learned  by  experi- 
ence, to  adopt  as  your  own  ;  and  Ihe  painful  import  of 
it,  you  will  feel  for  a  long  time  to  come,  and  often  with 
increased  emotions,  when  you  reflect,  that  the  face 
once  so  pleasant  to  behold,  you  will  no  more  see  in  the 
land  of  the  living  ;  that  the  interchange  of  hearts,  of 
joys,  of  sorrows,  and  cares,  and  the  sweet  counsels 
taken  together  in  the  ways  of  God  ;  in  short,  the  vari- 
ous hours  and  instances  of  intimate,  social,  friendly, 
christian  intercourse,  will  recur  no  more  ;  that  his  ex- 
ample of  an  humble  and  close  walk  with  God,  of  sin- 
cere and  fervent  piety,  of  faithfulness  to  God  and  man, 
in  scenes  of  active  duty  in  public  and  private,  and  of 
calm  submission  to  the  divine  will,  under  sufferings  and 
trials,   will  shine  no  more  before  you  and  others*  for 


LETTERS.  /15 

your  and  their  instruction,  encouragement,  and  comfort; 
and  thai  no  more  will  his  heart,  with  his  voice,  be  lifted 
up  at  the  mercy  seat,  in  prayer  for  you  and  your  child- 
ren ;  for  the  church,  his  country,  and  the  world.  But 
why  should  1  thus  open  afresh  the  wounds  of  your 
bleeding  heart,  by  reminding  you  of  the  greatness,  the 
extent  of  your  loss  ?  Rather  let  me  attempt  to  sooth 
and  alleviate  the  anguish  and  bitterness  of  your  soul, 
which  must  be  felt,  when  such  recollections  are  exclu- 
sively indulged,  by  reminding  you  what  reason  you 
have  at  the  same  time,  for  consolation  and  thankfulness, 
as  you  have  not  been  called  to  sorrow,  like  one  having 
no  hope,  for  your  dear  departed  friend  ;  but  on  the 
contrary,  to  be  comforted,  and  to  rejoice  on  his  account, 
in  the  persuasion  that  he  now  rests  from  his  labours 
and  trials  on  earth,  and  has  entered  into  the  joy, 
the  full  and  everlasting  joy  of  his  Lord,  in  heaven  !  ? 
Take  then  your  harp  from  the  willows,  and  with  sub- 
mission and  gratitude,  with  tears  of  joy,  and  the  antici- 
pations of  hope,  sing  away  your  sorrows,  believing  and 
persuaded,  that 

*•  His  months  of  affliction  are  o>v. 
His  days  and  his  nights  of  distress  ; 
You  see  him  in  nnguish  no  more. 
He's  gained  his  happy  release. 

No  sickness,  or  sorrow,  or  paiiv 
Shall. ever  disquiet  him  now  ; 
For  deatli  to  his  spirit  was  gain, 
Since  tJhrist  was  his  life  when  below." 

And  now  when  the  earthen  vessel,  to  which  the  rich 
treasure  of  the  gospel  was  committed,  and  which  con- 
tained so  many  of  your  sweetest  and  best  mortal  com- 
forts, is  broken  ;  how  great  also  is  the  consolation,  on 
your  own  account  iecured  to  you,  by  the  everlasting 


413  LETTERS. 

covenant  of  grace,  while  it  as'^ures  you,  that  the  Lord, 
the  e\er  livings  all  sufficienl,  and  unchanging  God,  is 
your  Friend  and  Savio.ir,  vour  refuge  and  portion  in 
tht;  land  of  the  living  ;  that  he  will  never  leave  you  nor 
forsake  you,  bnt  «ri!l  be  found  ready,  by  his  gracious 
presence,  to  fill  the  great  and  wide  breach,  which  he 
ha^  made  in  your  socihl,  mortal  coniforts.  He  is  ready 
to  turn  the  tears  of  your  pie^ent  mourning,  into  songs 
of  everlasting  joy  and  praise,  by  m.iking  this  affliction, 
which  nature  feels  to  be  great  and  heavy,  but  which 
faith,  contemplating  it  in  the  view  of  eternity, pronounces 
to  be  light  and  but  for  a  moment,  not  only  yield 
to  you  the  present  peaceable  fruit  of  righteousness, 
but  work  out  for  you  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 
weight  of  future  glory. 

But  what  can  I  suggest,  adapted  to  give  your  thoughts 
their  right  direction,  or  to  sooth  your  sorrows,  which 
is  not  already  familiar  to  your  own  mind  ?  Long  have 
you,  as  I  trust  and  believe,  been  taught  of  God,  by 
his  word  and  Spirit,  to  understand,  and  with  an  approv- 
ing, adoring  heart,  to  acknowledge,  that  he  is  righteous 
in  all  his  ways,  and  holy  in  all  his  works  ;  that  he  doth 
no  wrong  to  any  of  his  creatures,  and  that  as  he  doth 
all  things  well  on  the  great  scale,  so  in  his  infinite  wis- 
dom, grace  and  love,  he  orders  and  sanctifies  all  things 
to  work  for  good,  to  the^n  that  love  him  ;  and  long,  as 
I  doubt  not,  have  you  found  by  experience,  that  all 
the  paths  of  the  Lord  towards  you  have  been  mercy 
and  truth,  while  many  of  those  things,  which  for  awhile 
seemed  to  be  most  against  you,  have  at  length,  appear- 
ed to  be  most  favourable  in  their  tendency  and  ef- 
fects, to  the  promotion  of  your  best  interests,  your 
spiritual  interests  at  least,  if  not  your  temporal.  Let 
your  faith  and  persuasiou  of  these  things,  be  now  stron^^ 


LETTERS.  417 

and  grow  still  stronger  and  stronger,  and  in  the  multi- 
tude of  your  troubled,  anxious  thoughts  within  you,  let 
the  comforts  resulting  from  the  firm  belief  of  these 
things,  still  delight  your  soul. 

And  may  He  to  whom  it  belongs  to  give  peace  effec- 
tually back  to  you,  afflicted   and  destitute,  as  you  may 
now  feel  yourself,  to  say  from  the  heart,  and  with  a  cor- 
dial satisfaction,  the  Lord  is  my  portion,  therefore  will 
I  hope  in  him,  yea,  I  will  still  joy  in  the  God  of  my  sal- 
vation.    Thou    shalt  guide  me  with   thy   counsel,  and 
by  thy  providence  and  grace,  in  the  right  and  best  way, 
through  the  changing  scenes  of  mortality,  the  darkest 
and  most  perplexing,  as  well  as  the  more  pleasing  and 
comfortable,  and  afterward   receive  me  to  glory.     To 
the  word  and  to  the  Spirit  of  his  grace,  I  commend  you  ; 
and  it  is  my  earnest  praj  er,   that  whde  you  have   the 
consolation  of  knowing,    that    in  covenant  faithfulness, 
and  for  your  present  spiritual  profit,  and  the  advance- 
ment of  your  future  eternal  joy,  the  Lord  has  afflicted 
you  ;  your  dear  children  also,  who  are  sharers  with  you 
in  your  affliction,  and  who  are   spared,  I  trust,  to  be  in 
various  ways  comforters  to  you,   may   know  that   it  is 
good  for  them  to  be  thus  afflicted,  while  this  severe  af- 
fliction, through  the  supply  of  the    spirit    of  Christ,  is 
made  to  turn  to  their  salvation.     When  forsaken  or  de- 
prived   of  so    valuable   a  father,  whose  counselH  and 
prayers,  were  so   affectionately  employed   and  contin- 
ued for  their  present  and  eternal  welfare,  let  their  hearts 
be  the  more  earnestly  engaged  in  praying  for  themselves, 
that  the  Lord   their    heavenly  Father,  may  take  them 
up,  and    be  their  guide  and  guardian,   their  friend  and 
Saviour,  and  sanctify  them  as  seed  that  shall  serve  him, 

and  be  accounted   to  the   Loid  for  a  generation,  which 
53 


4t^  LETTERS. 

he  will  delight  to  bless  and  to  honor.  May  the  Lord 
indeed  bless  them,  and  make  them  blessings  ;  and  pre- 
pare and  engage  fhem  to  follow  one  parent,  alreadj 
gone  to  inherit  the  promises  of  grace  fulfilled  in  glory, 
and  fo  accompany  anolher,  *' Yet  marching  through 
Immanuel's  ground,  to  fairer  world's  on  high." 

The  bereaved  church  and  congregation,  lately  fa- 
voured wilh  his  ministerial  service*:,  will,  1  hope*  re- 
ceive admonition  from  the  frowning  Providence,  which 
has  thus  deprived  them  of  the  many  inestimable  bless- 
ings included  in  a  faithful  gospel  ministry  ;  while  they 
will,  I  trust,  feel  that  it  is  their  duty,  to  bow  with  submis- 
sion to  the  sovereign  will  of  the  Lord,  who  has  an  ab- 
solute right,  whenever  he  pleases  to  remove  from  a  peo- 
ple, the  pastor  whom  he  had  appointed  to  watch  for 
their  souls,  and  to  call  out  of  his  vineyard  a  faithful 
labourer,  who  before  he  had  borne  the  burden  and  heat 
of  the  day,  so  long  as  some  others  have  done,  were 
called  home  to  their  rest  and  reward.  And  let  them, 
now  with  united  hearts  and  fer>ent  prayers,  look  up  to 
the  great  Head  of  the  church,  who  has  smitten  them^ 
that  he  may  heal  them,  that  he  may  sanctify  to  them 
the  heavy  afflictive  stroke  wilh  which  he  has  visited 
them,  and  speedily  send  them  another  pastor  after  his 
own  heart,  who  shall  feed  them  with  the  knowledge  of 
the  pure  go«pel,  and  by  a  worthy  example  of  christian 
faith  and  piety,  go  before  them  in  the  way  to  glory^ 
honor  and  immortality. 

In  a  poor  state  of  health,  and  under  the  debilitating 
effects  of  very  warm  weather,  I  have,  with  an  evident 
want  of  mental  vigor,  and  no  small  degree  of  bodily 
fatigue,  extended  this  letter  to  an  unexpected  and  in- 
convenient length.     After  so  long  a  delay,  let  it  be 


LETTERS,  419 

kindly  accepted  as  a  proof,  that  1  had  not  forgotten  you 
in  your  afflictions,  but  was  slili  disposed,  if  1  had  health 
and  spirits,  to  express  my  tender  sympathy  for  you, 
and  to  be  the  minister  of  consolation  to  you. 

Since  we  have  heard  of   the   alarming  state  in  which 
New  London  lias  been  placed,  we  have  feared  that  you 
and  others  at  Norwich,  may  not  only  hear  the  dreadful 
sound  of  war  so  near  yon,  but  may  be  involved  in  some 
of  its  conflicts,    or    caiamilies.     Should  your  hearts  be 
in  danger  of  being  overwhelmed,  may  you   be  enabled, 
with  a  strong  faith,  to  resort  to   the  rock  that  is  higher 
than  you,  and  find  that  Jehovah   is  a    shelter  for  you, 
and  a  strong   to^ver  from    the    enemy  :  and  trusting  in 
the  covert  of  his  wings,  may  you  find   that  he  will  keep 
you   in  perfect  peace,   because  you  trust  in  him,  and 
your  mind  and  heart   are  stayed  upon  him.     Hitherto, 
we  in  this  city  and  the  adjacent  counlry,  have  felt   the 
war  only,  or  chiefly   in   the   way  of   commercial  losses 
and  privations,  the  stagnation  of  almost  all  kinds  of  bu- 
siness, and  the  consequent  difficulties  to  which  many  of 
the  labouring  and  poorer  classes  especially,  are  reduc- 
ed.    But  if  it  continues  much  longer,  we  have  reason  \o 
apprehend  that  our  city  will   have  some  experience   of 
what  others  have  already  deeply  felt,  that  Ihe  bailie  of 
the  warrior  is  with  confused  noise,  and  garments  rolled 
in  blood.     Oh  that   the  Lord  would  give  to  our  rulers, 
and  to  our  nation,  an  heart  deeply  humbled  in  true  re- 
pentance under  his  mighty  hand,  rnd  disposed  to  turn 
from  our  abounding   transgressions,   that   iniquity  may 
not  yet  be  our  ruin  ;  and  that   he  may  be  entreated  by 
the  prayers  of  the  righteous,  throughout  our  land,  and 
for  the  Redeemer's   sake,   to   pardon  our  manifold    na- 
tional sins,  to  turn  away  all  his  anger  from  us,  to  deliver 


420 


LETTERS. 


US  from  Ihe  dreadful  scourge  of  war,  and  lo  restore  (o 
us  the  blessings  of  a  desirable  and  lasting  peace  ! 

Our  church  here,  received  during  the  past  year,  an 
addition  of  about  eighty  members  ;  among  these  was 
your  and  our  friend  Mr.  O.  last  fall,  as  well  as  Mrs.  O. 
in  the  spring  preceding.  They  are  both  truly  worthy 
and  excellent  persons,  and  are  now,  I  trust,  with  united 
hearts,  travelling  to  a  better  country,  even  an  heavenly. 
Be  so  good    as   to    make  my  apology  to  Mrs.  T.  for 

^  my  not  writing  a  direct  answer  to  lier  excellent  letter. 
It  was  read  by  a  number  of  friends  here,  with  the  liveli- 
est interest,  and  the  tenderest  sympathy.  The  state  of 
my  health  and  spirits  which  have  so  long  delayed  this, 
have  prevented  my  answering  hers  in  any  other  way, 
than  in  this  communication  to  you.  Though  not  per- 
sonally acquainted  with  Mrs.  T.  her  letter  has  taught  us 
to  esteem  and  love  her.  And  as  she  has  been  sensibly 
aflBicted  in  your  afflictions,  may  our  gracious  Lord, 
make  her  a  sharer  with  you  in  his  sanctifying  grace, 
and  in  his  consolations,  which  are  not  small  ! 

The  expression  of  your  dear  M's  lo\e,  and  good 
wishes  as  well  as  your  own,  is  very  acceptable  to  us. 
We  hope  she  will  know,  by  happy  experience,  the  mean- 
ing of  those  important  words  of  the  best  of  friends,  "I 
love  them  that  love  me,  and  those  that  seek  me  early, 
shall  find  me." 

Mrs.  K.  reminds  me  that  she  has  not  written  to  you, 
as  she  believes,  although  I  thought  she  had,  since  the 
death  of  her  sister  T.  who  died  on  the  2*2d  of  Septem- 
ber last,  after  a  lingering  and  painful  illness.  All  who 
have  had  opportunity,  have  desired  us  to   express  to 

you  their  affectionate  regards,    and    tender  sympathy. 
You  would  very  much  oblige  us  by  writing  as  soon,  as 


-  LETTERS,  421 

praclicable,   very  particularly  relative  (o  Mr.  H*s  last 
scene,  &c.  and  concerning  your  children. 

To  the  mercy  and  grace  of  God,  in  Christ  Jesus  our 
Lord,  you  and  I  hey  are  affectionately  commended,  by 
your  cordial  friends, 

I,    S.    AND    J.    KEITH. 


TO    REV.    DR.    M. 

CHARLESTON,   JULY  4,  180S. 
MY    DEAR     FRIEND, 

Amidst  the  ringing  of  bells,  and  the  roaring 
of  cannon,  and  all  the  parade,  and  bustle,  and  noise* 
with  which  (his  anniversary  of  a  day  so  important,  and 
so  glorious  to  America,  is  celebrated  here,  as  it  is 
doubtless,  in  like  manner,  in  a  thousand  other  places, 
I  am  now  seated  in  ihe  tranquil  recess  of  my  study  ;  and 
have  taken  up  my  pen,  for  the  purpose  of  scrawling  a 
few  lines  to  you.  I  congratulate  you  on  the  return  of 
this  auspicious  day,  in  circumstances  adapted  to  diffuse 
the  liveliest  gratitude  and  joy,  throughout  the  great 
people  and  vast  territory  of  these  United  States.  To 
every  genuine  reflecting  patriot,  the  usual  satisfactions 
of  this  day  must  be  greatly  heightened,  by  the  recol- 
lection of  the  dark  and  portentous  clouds,  which  were 
lately  seen  resting  and  spreading  farther  and  wider  upon 
our  prospects  ;  and  by  the  consideration  of  the  bright 
and  pleasing  scene,  which  "  the  good  hand  of  our  God 
upon  us,'*  has  again  opened  to  our  view.  The  Lord  hath 
indeed  again  done  great  things  for  us,  whereof  all  among 


422  LETTERS. 

US,  who  trulj  love  our  country,  must  be  glad.  Among 
the  thousands,  and  tens  of  thousands,  who  will  this  day 
express  their  joy  on  account  oi  these  things,  in  pealing, 
and  firing,  and  eating  and  drinking,  and  toasting  and 
carousing,  how  many  will  be  found  disposed  to  of- 
fer the  thanksgivings  of  a  grateful  heart,  to  the  God  of 
our  mercies,  to  rejoice  in  Him  as  the  source  of  their 
personal  and  social  happiness,  and  in  the  prayer  of 
faith,  to  commend  themselves  and  their  country,  and 
the  church,  to  his  care  and  keeping,  expecling  safety  and 
prosperity  for  the  time  to  come,  onlyunder  his  smiles, 
and  through  his  blessing  ?  Many  such,  I  trust,  there 
are  dispersed  through  this  great  community.  May  the 
Lord  increase  their  number,  how  many  soever  they 
may  be,  an  hundred  fold  !  For  these  are  every  where 
the  truly  excellent  of  the  earth  ;  and  they  are  the 
chief  glory  and  strongest  bulwark  of  every  land. 

^      :)(:      ^     :lt      ^     ^      ^ 

Tr         VT         TV*         TT         TV"         "Tr         "TV* 

A  second  Presbyterian  church,  as  I  believe  I  have 
already  intimated  to  you,  has  been  lately  formed  in  this 
city,  partly  out  of  the  old  Scotch  congregation,  and 
partly  by  persons  who  have  not  heretofore  been  close- 
ly connected  with  any  church  in  this  city.  These  peo- 
ple have  called,  and  lately  settled,  the  Rev.  A.  F.  as 
their  pastor,  with  a  salary  of  ^2000  ;  and  they  have 
been  very  successful  in  obtaining  subscriptions,  to  the 
amount  of  about  §35,000,  for  building  an  house  of  wor- 
ship. This  is  to  be  of  brick,  90  feet  by  70,  with  a 
steeple,  &c.  The  foundation  is  already  laid,  and  the 
work  will  be  carried  on  with  all  practicable  despatch. 
I  know  not  that  the  appearances  of  real  vital  religion, 
are  yet  more  promising  in  this  new  congregation,  than 
they  have  been  for  a  long  time  in  the  old  Presbyterian 


LETTERS.  423 

congregation.  But  as  Mr.  F.  is  considered  as  a  pious 
man,  and  an  evangelical  preacher,  it  is  hoped  that  he 
may  prove  a  blessing  to  them,  in  promoting  the  knowl- 
edge and  practice  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion  among 
them.  Mr.  F.  has  lately  sailed  for  the  northward,  in- 
tending to  spend  the  summer  abroad  ;  and  supposing 
it  probable  that  he  may  visit  Boston,  I  have  given  him 
a  letter  of  introduction  to  you  ;  and  1  expect  that  you 
will  have  an  opportunity  of  hearing  him  preach,  and  of 
being  informed  of  many  things  respecting  us  here,  that 
I  cannot  now  write.  The  hazards  of  the  summer  sea- 
son in  this  climate,  and  especially  in  this  city,  to  a  fam- 
ily with  northern  constitutions,  form  a  serious  item  in 
the  calculations  that  should  be  made  on  this  subject. 
How  often  have  wy  fondest  wishes  and  favourite  plans, 
been  disappointed  ?  What  a  privilege  is  it  to  be 
brought  at  length  by  the  smarting  discipline  of  infinite 
Wisdom,  cheerfully  to  acquiesce  in  the  will  and  dispo- 
sal of  God,  who  alone  knows  what  is  best  for  us,  and 
who  doth  all  things  well,  not  only  on  the  great  scale, 
but  for  every  individual  of  his  peculiar  and  beloved 
people  and  faithful  servants  !  As  all  things  shall  assur- 
edly work  for  good  to  them  that  lo^e  God  ;  if  we  love 
our  God  and  Saviour  in  sincerity,  we  may  then  rest  as- 
sured, that  if  there  be  any  other  situation  in  the  world, 
that  would  be  on  the  whole  better  for  us,  than  that  in 
which  we  are  now  placed,  he  will,  in  the  proper  time 
and  way,  conduct  us  into  it  ;  and  if  there  be  not,  then 
we  may  console  and  encourage  ourselves  with  the  per- 
suasion, that  abiding  with  him  where  we  now  are,  he 
will  be  with  us,  furnish  us  with  strength  according  to 
our  day,  and  enable  us  acceptably  to  serve  and  glorify 


424  LETTERS. 

him,  till  he  shall  remove  us  to  glorif/,  and  enjoy  him 
for  ever  in  heaven. 

I  am  much  pleased  to  hear  of  the  hopeful  beginnings, 
and  promising  prospects,  of  your  Theological  Institu- 
tion. Under  (he  smiles  and  blessings  of  heaven,  may 
it  grow  and  flourish  more  and  more  ! 

We  are  very  much  grafitied  with  the  affectionate  re- 
membrance of  our  warm  friend  R.  united  with  that  of 
his  parents.  May  the  Lord  bless  the  lad,  and  make 
him  a  blessing  !  By  his  Bible,  with  the  teaching  of  the 
spirit  of  truth  and  grace,  I  hr.pe  he  will  be  made  wise 
to  salvation,  through  faith  in  Christ  Jesus.  Thus  may 
he,  and  your  other  dear  boys,  be  blessed  indeed,  and 
for  ever.  Let  us  be  respectfully  mentioned  to  all  in- 
quiring friends,  and  assure  yourselves  of  your  living  in 
the  hearts  of 

I.     S.    AND    J.    KEITH. 


t^* 


TO    REV      MR.     P. 

CHARLESTON,  AUGUST  6,   181©. 
MY    DEAR   FRIEND, 

Your  favour,  under  date  July  11th,  was  du- 
ly received,  at  the  same  time  with  one  from  Mrs.  M. 
to  Mrs.  K.  Mrs.  K.  will  endeavour  ere  long  to  recip- 
rocate Mrs.  M's  fa \  our.  For  yours,  accept  my  sin- 
cere thanks.  I  was  much  aratified  in  receiving  and 
/perusing  it  ;  and  to  both  of  us  it  was  very  pleasing  to 
find  that  you  and  Mr?.  P.  wilh  the  children,  had  been 
favoured  wi'h  so  prosperous  and  expedilious  a  passage 
by  sea,  and  Journey  by  land,  that  in  the  space  of  a 


LETTERS.  425 

fortnight  after  you  left  C ton,   you  should  have  it 

in  your  power  to  write   to  me  from   C town  ;  and 

there  in  the  hospitable  mansion  of  our  mutual  worthy 
friends,  to  tell  us  of  their  welfare,  of  that  of  their  fami- 
ly, and  that  your  own  health  is  improving.  Has  your 
gratitude  in  all  its  proper  feelings  and  expressions, 
kept  pace  with  the  rich  variety,  and  rapid  succession 
of  the  goodness  and  mercy  of  the  Lord,  which  have  at- 
tended and  followed  you  and  yours  ?  I  presume  you 
think  that  it  is  well  for  you,  that  though  this  is  your 
most  reasonable  and  pleasant  duty,  ye!  on  this  are  you 
not  io  found  your  hopes,  of  the  mercy  and  grace,  which 
you  still  need  to  make  the  rest  of  your  way  prosper- 
ous and  comfortable.  Where  you  do  not  adequately 
praise,  and  love,  and  obey,  you  may  acceptably  repent 
and  believe,  and  repenting  and  believing,  you  may  still 
hope,  in  and  through  that  divine  Mediator,  who  is  the 
Lord,  your  righteousness  and  strength.  For  his  sake, 
may  the  God  of  your  mercies  still  preserve  your  going 
out  and  coming  in,  and  assure  your  heart  that  He  is 
with  you  to  keep  you  in  all  places,  through  which  >  ou 
pass,  until  he  bring  you  again  in  peace  to  your  hone 
and  church  ;  and  then  give  you  the  tlisposition,  to- 
gether with  the  occasion  for  sayinjr,  "  Return  unto  thy 
rest,  O  my  soul,  for  the  Lord  hath  dealt  bountifully 
with  thee  !" 

The  variegated,  beautiful,  magnificent  scenery, 
through  which  you  have  passed,  and  with  which  you 
will  be  almost  continually  surrounded  in  the  northern 
and  middle  States,  must  be  highly  interesting  to  your 
imagination  and  feelings ;  and  the  air  and  exercise, 
which  you  are  enjoying  on  so  agreeable  a  tour,  will,  I 
^ust,  have   the   most  favourable  iafluence,  on  the  iiur 


42G  LETTERS. 

provement  of  your  health  and  constifutlon.  If  joufind 
preaching  does  not  injure  yourself,  be  not  reluctant  to 
do  all  the  good  which  may  be  in  your  power,  in  this 
way  to  others.  But  let  not  the  easiness  ot  3'our  tem- 
per, be  prevailed  on  by  any  importunity,  to  relieve  any 
lazy  brethreuy  especially  by  labours  beyond  your  pres- 
ent strength,  and  which  would  prevent  or  retard  that 
increase  of  strength,  which  you  should  endeavour  to 
acquire  while  abroad,  with  the  view  of  spending  it  again 
in  the  service,  and  for  the  benefit  of  your  own  people  at 
home. 

The  season  here,  excepting  eight  or  ten  days,  about 
the  middle  of  July,  when  the  weather  was  extremely 
warm  and  dry,  has  been  on  the  whole  the  most  pleas- 
ant that  I  have  ever  enjoyed  in  Carolina  ;  and  the  city 
has  continued  hitherto  very  healthy.  Oh,  that  we 
would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  mercies  ;  and  render 
again  to  him  according  to  the  benefits  received  from 
him  ! 

The  affairs  of  our  church  remain  much  in  the  same 
state  in  which  you  left  them.  What  the  issue  will  be, 
is  known  only  to  the  great  Head  of  the  church.  May 
He  bring  good  out  of  evil,  and  overrule  all  circum- 
stances, however  adverse  and  threatening  they  may  ap- 
pear, to  work  for  the  good  of  his  church,  which  he  has 
bought  with  his  blood,  and  which  he  cherishes  with  the 
most  watchful  and  tender  solicitude  as  the  apple  of  his 
eye.  And  we  may  rest  assured,  that  in  his  everlasting 
and  unchangeable  love  to  it,  he  will  disappoint  every 
weapon  formed  against  it  by  its  enemies  ;  and  correct 
every  error  of  its  friends,  so  that  learning  wisdom  under 
the  discipline  of  his  hand,  as  well  as  by  the  teaching  of 


LETTERS.  42f 

his  word  and   spirit,    thej  may   better  understand  the 
proper  methods  of  promoting  ils  interests. 

Before  you  left  this  place,  I  believe,  the  constitution 
of  the  Bible  Society  was  adopted.  An  election  of  the 
Board  of  Managers  took  place  on  the  lOlh  of  July  ; 
the  result  of  which  you  may  probably  see  in  some  of 
the  newspapers.  On  the  several  subscription  papers, 
the  names  of  about  300  members,  and  funds  to  the  a- 
mount  of  about  g2500  have  been  procured.  There 
are  about  20  life  subscribers,  of  g50  each.  On  the 
list  in  my  hands,  there  have  been  received  twelve  of  these 
life  subscribers,  and  about  an  hundred  other  subscri- 
bers, and  cash  to  the  amount  of  ^1120;  and  all  except- 
ing the  instances  of  a  very  few  who  sent  to  me  their 
names  and  their  money,  within  the  limits  of  our  own 
congregations,  from  whom  I  expect  still  some  consid- 
erable additions.  #   #   #   *   # 

Adieu,  ISAAC  s.  keith., 

TO    REV.    DR.    S. 

CHARLESTON,    MAY    3,    1791,    TUESDAY. 
REV.    AND    DEAR    FATHER, 

This  is  Jubilee  week  in  Charleston.  Al- 
most all  business  is  suspended,  and  joy  and  rejoicing 
universally  prevail.  This  you  would  naturally  expect 
on  the  present  occasion  ;  when  you  hear  that  the  illus- 
trious and  beloved  President  of  the  United  States  is 
now  among  us.  He  arrived  here  yesterday  about  one 
o'clock.     In  his  way  he  had  to  crosiB  a  ferry  on  Cooper 


428  LETTERS. 

river  at  its  juncfion  with  the  bay  of  Charleston,  three 
miles  wide  from  Haddrell's  point    to   (he   city.     Over 
this  he  was  conveyed  in  an  elegant  barge,  displaying  a 
splendid  flag  of  the  United  Slates,  and  rowed  by  thir- 
teen   American   captains  of  vessels,    all    dressed   in   a 
beautiful  uniform  of  sky  blue  silk  jackets.     Theiroars 
moved  in  concert  with  a  band  of  music,  playing  all  the 
way.     Sloops,  schooners,  pettiaugers,  and  boats  of  va- 
rious descriptions,  to  the  number   of  perhaps    two  and 
three  score,  freighted  with  ladies,  gentlemen,   &c.  &.c. 
attended  the  barge  that   was  honored  with   the   impor- 
tant and  distinguished  trust  of  carrying  the  President, 
and  constituted  a  fine  fleet,  which,  in  the  eyes  of  the  cit- 
izens of  Charleston,  appeared  incomparably  more  glori- 
ous and  charming,  than   all    the  royal  navy   of  Great 
Britain,  which  filled  their  port  and  the  neighbouring  riv- 
ers, during  the  years  of  the  late  revolution.     The  at- 
mosphere was  clear  and  serene,  the  sun  shone  brightly, 
without  any  excess  of  heat  ;  and  the  water  was  gently 
and  agreeably   moved   by  a  sweet    refreshing    breeze. 
On  turning  a  point  of  land  near  the  city,  which  brought 
the  fleet  full  in  view  of  the  inhabitants,  a  federal  salute 
was  fired  by    a  ship  prepared  for    that  purpose  in   the 
harbour.     All  the  vessels  in  the  harbour,  were  dressed 
as  gaily  as   their    respective  wardrobes    would  permit. 
The  numbers  and  variety  of  people  who  filled  the  ves- 
sels, decks    and  tops,   the    wharves,    the    streets,    the 
doors,  the  windows,  the   balconies,  and  even  some   of 
the  roofs  of  the   houses,  you  can  more    easily  imagine 
than  I  can  describe.     When  the   barge  arrived   at  the 
wharf,  the  President  was    received    and    welcomed   on 
shore  and  in  Charleston,  by    the  Governor  and    Lieut. 
Governor,  the  principal  officers  of  the  Union   and  of 


LETTERS.  429 

4lie  State,  anr]  by  the  foreign  ronsuls,  and  escorted  by  a 
guarcJ  of  niiiitia,  well  equipped  and  dressed  in  handsome 
uniform  ;  u:jder  a  loud  peal  of  hdzzis  from  ihe  surround- 
ing crowd  :  and  now  a  feu  de  joy  was  fired  by  the  corps 
of  artillery  paraded  in  Bay-street,  opposite  to  the  place  of 
landing.  This  corps,  which  served  their  country  with 
great  honor  djjrins:  the  late  war,  made  a  truly  military, 
and  very  respectable  appearance.  They  are  also  mili- 
tia, composed  of  the  citizens.  From  the  place  of 
landing,  the  President,  now  attended  by  the  honorable 
company  by  which  he  was  first  received,  proceeded  up 
to  Bay-street,  adjoining  the  wharf;  and  thence  led  a 
procession  formed  of  the  different  orders  of  citizens, 
waose  stations  had  been  previously  assigned  by  lot  ; 
except  that  of  the  cler2;y,  to  whom  the  honor  was  giv- 
en of  walking  next  after  the  President  and  principal  of- 
ficers of  government  and  foreign  ministers.  The  pro- 
cession moved  along  Bay-street,  till  the  head  of  it  ad- 
vanced to  the  Exchange.  Then  the  President,  accom- 
panied by  the  Governor,  and  those  who  immediately 
followed,  including  the  clergy,  ascended  the  steps  of 
the  Exchan2;e,  and  took  his  station  on  an  elevated  and 
spacious  platform,  which  belongs  to  that  elegant  build- 
ing. Here  another  feu  de  joy  was  fired  by  the  artille- 
ry, accompanied  by  a  loud  and  general  huzza,  huzza, 
huzza.  Here  the  rest  of  the  procession  passed  by, 
down  the  same  street,  and  had  all  an  opportunity  of 
seeing  and  saluting  the  President,  and  receiving  the 
honors  of  his  bows  and  smiles.  And  here  all  the  com- 
pany attending  around  him,  had  the  honor  and  pleas- 
ure of  taking  him  by  the  hand.  After  this  ceremony, 
he  with  his  attendants,  descended  again  into  the  street; 
and  then  the  procession  facing  about,  the  rear  became 


430  LBTTERS, 

the  front  of  those  who  had  remained  in  the  street  ;  and 
in  this  order  thej  followed  him  and  the  preceding  com- 
pany along  Broad-street,  as  far  as  to  Church-street, 
and  then  down  Church-street  nearly  the  distance  of  a 
square,  to  the  house  provided  for  his  accommodation, 
during  his  stay  in  the  city  ;  and  there  with  three  more 
cheers,  they  left  him  to  repose  himself,  till  the  hour  of 
dinner.  He  dined  in  a  private  manner,  with  the  Gov- 
ernor and  a  few  official  gentlemen,  and  select  friends. 
To-day  at  4  o'clock  he  is  to  partake  of  a  public  dinner 
at  the  Exchange,  given  by  the  Intendant  and  Wardens, 
at  the  expense  of  the  city.  To-morrow,  he  is  to  dine 
with  the  society  of  Cincinnati ;  the  next  day  with 
the  Governor  in  public  ;  the  next  day  with  Major 
Butler,  one  of  our  Senators  in  Congress  ;  and  the 
next  day  with  the  Chamber  of  commerce,  or  merchants 
of  Charleston,  Several  addresses  are  to  be  presented 
to  him,  which  with  his  answers,  you  will  no  doubt,  in 
due  season,  see  in  your  papers  ;  and  through  the  same 
channel,  you  will  probably  be  favoured  with  a  much  bet- 
ter history  of  the  transactions  which  I  have  attempted 
to  detail,  than  is  contained  in  this  hastily  and  carelessly 
written  letter.  Thus  has  it  been  done,  and  thus  is  it 
proposed  to  be  done  to  the  man,  whom  the  people  of 
Charleston,  with  an  affection  and  zeal  in  which  they 
are  not  exceeded  by  any  of  the  citizens  of  the  United 
States,  delight  to  honor.  That  the  ladies  too,  may 
have  an  opportunity  of  enjoying  the  pleasure  of  his 
presence  among  them,  of  paying  their  respects,  and 
testifying  their  love  to  him,  and  of  displaying  all  their 
charms  of  beauty,  dress,  and  address  before  him,  there 
is  to  be  a  splendid  ball  in  a  magnificent  apartment  of 
the  Exchange,  on  Wednesday  evening ;  and  a  grand 


LETTERS,  431 

concert  on  another  evening.     The  ornaments  provided 
for  the  embellishment    of  the   lovely  persons  of  many 
of  our   fair   citizens  on  these   occasions,   are,  as  I  am 
told,   extremely  rich  and    superb  ;  probably  in  many 
degrees  above  the  taste  of  so  plain  a  Virginia  planter, 
as  the  worthy  George  Washington.     There  are  in 
particular,  many  ribbons  included  among  these   orna- 
ments, painted  with  miniature  likenesses  of  the  Presi- 
dent, or  the  initials  of  his  name  ;  and  the  words,  Long 
live  the  President :  and.    He  coines,  the  Hero  comes, 
&c.  &c.  which,  if  I  mistake  not,  will  appear  to  his  mod- 
esty and   delicacy  more  flattering  than  pleasing.     On 
the  whole  you  may  rest  assured    that    no  preparations 
or  exertions,  which  our  circumstances   will,  or  will  not 
allow,  have   been  wanting,  to  render  this  joyous  occa- 
sion one  of  the   most   brilliant  seras,  in    the   history  of 
the  splendours  and  rejoicings  of  Charleston.     But  ah  ! 
on  Monday  next,  the  9th  of  May,  after  a  stay  of  only 
one  short  week,  the  President,  who  has  been  the  great 
cause,  and  the  principal  lustre  of  all  this  bright  scene, 
is  to  bid  us  a  long  farewell,  and  proceed  on  his  journey 
to  Georgia ;  and  leave  us  to  proceed  in  our   old  walks 
of  business  and   care,  which  are   now  generally   relin- 
quished for  the  more  attractive  pursuits  of  amusement, 
and  pleasures  of  festivity.     From  Georgia,  the  Presi- 
dent is  to  return  through  the  interior  country,  to  his 
own  seat,  and  finally  to  your    city,  I   suppose,  in    the 
fall.     May  God  protect,  and  guide,  and  bless  him;  till 
the  course  of  his  useful   life  is  finished  ;  and  then   add 
to  all  the  honors  which  he  has  received  from  his  fellow 
men  on    earth,  the   infinitely   higher  and   more  lasting 
honors  included  in   that   sentence   of  the  great  Judge 
©f  all,  "  Well  done  good  and  faithful  servant ;  Thou 


432  LETTERS. 

hast  been  faithful  over  a  few  tbinws  ;  I  will  make  fbee 
ruler  over  many  things  ;  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thjr 
Lord." 

I  thought  to  have  finished  my  epistle  here  ;  but  I 
must  go  on  a  little  further,  as  I  have  yet  taken  no  no- 
tice of  your  last  favour,  of  the  6th  of  April.  1  now 
Ihank  you  for  this,  as  T  have  heretofore  done  for  all 
your  former  epistolary  favours.  Do  not  fear  that  you 
will  ever  write  too  often,  or  too  much  at  a  time.  We 
are  never  tired,  but  always  much  gratified  with  reading 
your  paternal  letters  :  and  it  will  be  our  fault,  if  they 
are  not  useful  to  us,  as  they  always  contain  some  good 
advice  ;  and  hints  for  profitable  improvement. 

Is  it  not  in  this  month  that  the  General  Assembly  of 
your  church  meets  T  Is  it  well  attended  ;  and  does  it 
promise  to  answer  the  purposes  of  its  institution  ?  I  sus- 
pect that  upon  trial,  it  will  be  found,  that  in  the  forma- 
tion of  that  body,  and  the  arrangement  of  the  subordin- 
ate synods,  the  peculiar  situation  of  our  country,  its  ex- 
tended bounds,  &c.  have  not  been  duly  consulted. 
Does  not  the  General  Assembly  appear  to  be  rather  toa 
few  in  number,  to  execute  with  adequate  authority  and 
dignity,  all  the  great  business  that  comes  before  it ;  and 
are  not  the  subordinate  synods  neglected,  as  of  too  lit- 
tle consequence  to  he  attended  t>y  any  but  those  who 
live  near  the  place  of  meelins;?  f  have  heard  sugges- 
tions of  this  kind  ;  ?nd  froni  circumsJanres,  there  seems 
to  be  reason  to  conclude  Ihat  they  are  roo  well  found- 
ed. From  Ions  habit,  I  feel  a  strong  inclination  at  this 
season  to  visit  Philadelphia,  anf!  attend  vour  church 
judicatories.  But  distance  now  precludes  every  hope 
of  realizins;  my  wishes,  in  the  manner  which  I  could 
formerly  do  it.     Here  are  no  such  opportunities  of  at- 


LETTERS.  433 

tending  the  meetings  of  clerical  brethren,  as  occur 
among  you  :  and  I  think  the  want  of  these  a  considera- 
ble disadvantage  of  my  present  situation.  But  my 
situation  is  in  so  many  other  respects,  so  much  more 
desirable,  than  in  my  former  place  of  residence,  that  I 
have  hitherto  seen  daily  reason  to  be  thankful  to  a  kind 
Providence  and  his  instruments,  for  pointing  out  and 
accomplishing  the  change. 

Assure  my  dear  niother  and  all  the  branches  of  the 
family,  of  my  continued  esteem  and  affeclionate  re- 
gards, in  which  a  beloved  father  also  shares,  as  largely 
as  he  can  wish.  I  endeavour  daily  to  remember  you 
all  at  the  throne  of  grace,  and  hope  you  will  not  there 
forget  your  children. 

I.   S.     AND    H.    KEITH. 


t-xfl 


OHA.RLESTON,  JULY  15,  1811. 

TO    MR.  ANDREW    P.    GREADY, 

PRESIDENT   OF    THE    CONGREGATIONAL    SOCIETY. 

DEAR  SIR, 

1  HAVE  been  favoured  with  the  very  friendly 
letter,  which  as  President,  and  in  behalf  of  "  The  Con-' 
gregational  Society/  for  Religious  Worship,^^  you 
lately  addressed  to  me,  and  in  which  you  politely  ex- 
press their  wish,  that  I  would  consider  myself  as  a  mem- 
ber ;  at  least  an  honorary  one,  of  the  society  ;  and  that 
I  would  place  my  name  on  the  list  of  the  subscribers  to 
its  rules. 


434  LETTERS. 

Accept,  dear  sir,  for  ^oiiiself  and  the  society,  my 
grateful  acknowle(!2:ments  for  the  honor  tlius  done  lue. 
In  compliance  wifh  iheir  desire,  I  hove  added  my  sig- 
nature to  the  rules;  and  I  feel  myself,  together  with 
my  fauiily,  cordially  disposed  to  attend  the  meetings 
of  the  society,  when  circumstances  may  allow  us  that 
pleasure.  But  from  my  various  engagements,  the  im- 
perfect state  of  my  health,  and  the  place  and  seasons 
of  meeting,  that  will  probably  be  most  convenient  to 
the  members  generally,  I  am  apprehensive,  that  1  shall 
but  rarely  have  it  in  my  power  to  attend  with  them. 

The  very  small  services  which  I  have  rendered  to- 
wards the  establishment  and  organization  of  the  society, 
they  have  much  too  highly  appreciated.  There  seem- 
ed, indeed,  but  little  need  or  room  for  any  aid,  which  I 
coijld  contribute  to  the  laudable  undertaking  ;  as,  in 
my  view,  it  appeared  to  be  conducted,  by  those  most 
immediately  concerned,  and  engaged  in  it  with  a  spirit 
of  christain  zeal  and  discrenon,  which  promised, 
through  the  blessing  of  God,  the  most  desirable  result. 

The  pious  design  met,  at  once,  my  entire  approba- 
tion, and  my  heart  has  felt  an  high  gratification  in  the 
success,  which  has  thus  far  attended  the  counsels  and 
efforts,  which  have  been  employed  for  realizing  the  im- 
portant benefits  contemplated. 

The  Lord  your  God  and  Saviour,  will,  I  trust,  "  es- 
tablish and  prosper  this  work  of  your  hands,  in  which 
you  have  hopefully  engaged,  with  a  view  to  his  glory,  in 
the  promotion  of  the  great  interests  of  your  own  souls, 
and  the  advancement  of  his  cause  in  the  world,  as  far  as 
your  rnfiiience  and  usefulness  can  be  extended,  in  the  sta- 
tions which  you  occupy  in  the  chinch,  and  in  the  con^mu- 
nity.  *'The  Lord  will  assuredly  be  with  you,  while  you 
are  with  him."     And  as  you  would  expect  his  presence 


LETTERS.  43i> 

and  favour,  let  it  be  still  your  leading  aim,  and  your 
most  solicitous  care,  that  the  great  **  name  of  your  God 
may,  in  all  res^pects,  be  glorified  in  and  by  you,  through 
Jesi.'S  Christ  your  Lord"  and  mediator:  and  that  you 
may  maintain  and  cultivate  a  spirit  of  love,  and  harmo- 
ny among  yourselves  ;  ever  studying  "  lo  walk  worthy- 
of  the  \ocHtion  wberewith  you  are  called,  with  all  low- 
liness and  meekness,  with  long-suffering,  forbearing  one 
another  in  love,  endeavouring  to  keep  the  unity  of  the 
spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace  ;  remembering  that  there 
is  one  body,  and  one  spirit,  even  as  ye  are  called  in  one 
hope  of  your  calling."^ 

Cherishing  such  dispositions,  and  manifesting  them 
in  the  general  tenor  of  your  conduct,  you  may,  with 
humble  confidence  hope,  that  your  Lord,  according  to 
the  promises  of  his  truth  and  grace,  will  be  in  the  midst 
of  you,  when  from  time  to  time  you  meet  in  his  name 
for  his  worship  ;  and  that  his  blessing  will  render  the 
religious  services  in  which  you  unite,  subservient  to  the 
important  purposes  of  drawing  your  souls  nearer  to 
himself,  in  the  exercises  and  pleasures  of  the  most  im- 
proving and  delightful  communion  ;  of  uniting  your 
hearts  more  closely  and  tenderly  to  each  other  in 
christian  affection,  sympathy,  and  fellowship  ;  and  of 
making  you  thus  eminently  helpful  to  each  other,  under 
your  various  labours  and  trials,  temptations  and  sor- 
rows, and  instrumental  to  the  establishment  and  ad- 
vancement of  each  other's  faith,  and  hope,  and  peace, 
and  joy  on  earth,  and  the  increase  of  each  other's 
meetness  for  the  incorruptible,  unfading  inheritance  of 
eternal  glory  and  felicity,  reserved  for  the  friends  and 
followers  of  Christ  in  heaven.  While  in  this  way,  your 
walk  may  be   maintained  more  closely   with  God,  your 

*  Ephes.  iv.  1—4. 


436  LETTERS. 

light  may  at  the  same  time,  shine  more  brightly  before 
men,  and  many  aroiintJ  you,  "  taking  knowledge  of 
yon,  that  you  have  been  with  Jesus,"  may  be  excited 
and  animated,  to  desire  and  resolve,  that  they  will  be- 
come "  followers  bf  you,  as  they  see  you  are  of  Christ.'* 

Thus  your  sociely  may  be  enlarged,  which  "though 
its  beginning  has  been  small,  yet  may  its  lalter  end  be- 
come greatly  increased  ;"  and  thus  also  new  members 
mighl  be  added  to  the  church  among  such  as  shall  be 
saved.  How  interesting,  how  delightful  the  thought  1 
that  thus  you  would  be  pursuing  the  course,  and  im- 
proving the  means  most  favourable  to  the  growth  of 
your  infant  institution,  of  your  own  souls  in  grace,  and 
in  the  knowledge  of  your  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  and  of  the  church  of  Christ;  and  especially  of 
that  branch  of  it  with  which  you  are  most  intimately 
connected  I 

The  prosperity  of  **  the  church,  which  God  our 
Saviour  has  bought  with  his  own  blood,"  will,  I  trust, 
ever  lie  near  your  hearts,  and  be  constantly  remember- 
ed by  you  in  your  prayers.  Having  thus  dearly  pur- 
chased it,  and  still  regarding  it  as  the  apple  of  his  eye, 
he  has  spoken  glorious  things  of  it,  and  promised  io  do 
great  things  for  it,  and  these  things  he  will  be  found  able 
and  faithful  to  accomplish,  in  their  season.  "Yet  for 
these  things  will  he  be  inquired  of  by  his  people,  that 
he  may  do  them."  And  he  puts  a  special  honor  upon 
them,  when  he  represents  hifnself  as  condescending  to 
perform  what  he  has  purposed  and  promised  to  do,  in 
answer  to  their  prayers  :  and  what  greater  honor  and 
encouragement  could  be  given  to  social  prayer,  in  par- 
ticular, than  what  our  blessed  Lord  has  given  to  it  ? 
when  he   says,   "  If  even  any   two  of  you   shall  agree 


LETTERS.  43f 

on  earth,  as  touching  any  thing  that  they  shall  ask,  it 
shall  he  done  for  rhem  of  my  Father  who  is  in  heaven. 
For  where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  my 
name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them."*  May  this 
promise  be  graciously  tulfiiled  to  you,  as  it  has  been  in 
ijHiunierable  instances  to  olhers,  who,  in  the  Lord's  ap- 
pointed way,  have  sought  and  found  him,  who  have 
asked  in  faiili,  and  conformably  to  his  declared  will, 
have  received  the  blessings  of  his  grace  and  favour  for 
Ihemselveif:,  and  foioflieis,  for  whora  Uiey  have  prajed! 
In  fhe  huiuble  and  animaling  hope  that  this  may  be 
your  happy  experience,  pray  constantly  and  fervently 
for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem  ;  for  *♦  the  outpouring  of 
fiie  spirit  from  on  higli"  upon  all  the  branches  of  the 
church,  (hat  "  the  Lord's  work  may  be  revived,"  and 
his  salvation  be  displaj^ed  in  them  with  great  glory 
"  in  the  midst  of  these  years  ;"  and  that  the  church  it- 
self may  "be  established,  and  be  a  praise  in  all  the 
earth,*'  and  all  the  nations  of  tribes  of  mankind  become 
united  in  it  as  brethren  of  one  famil}',  "  loving  each  oJh- 
cr  with  pure  hearts  fervently,  and  by  love  serving  one 
anolher."  And  in  the  view  of  this  most  desirable 
state  of  Zion's  peace  and  prosperity,  forget  not  to  pray 
for  its  pastors  ;  and  especially  for  those  under  whose 
pastoral  care  you  are  placed,  that,  having  "  the  minis- 
try of  reconciliation  committed  to  them,"  they  may 
faithfidly  preach  the  gospel  to  their  hearers,  and  that, 
by  the  co  operating  influence  of  divine  grace,  it  may 
prove  "  the  power  of  God,  to  the  salvation  of  those 
who  hear  its  joyful  sound."  How  interesting  the  sub- 
ject of  your  prayers,  and  how  animating  the  hope 
which  you  are  authorized  to  cherish  in  them,  when  in 
praying  for  the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  you  are  directed 

Matthew  xviii.  18,  19. 


438 


LETTEBS. 


to  pray,  that  through  their  minisfry  "  the  word  of  the 
Lord  may  have  free  course,  and  be  glorified  every 
where  as  well  as  among  yourselves;'*  and  when  you 
are  assured,  by  many  great  and  precious  promises,  that 
by  the  universal  spread  of  the  light,  the  truth,  and  the 
grace  of  the  gospel,  all  the  people  dwelling  on  (he  face 
of  the  whole  earth,  shall  be  taught  the  knowledge  of 
the  only  living  and  true  God  in  Jesus  Christ,  his  Son  ; 
and  shall  be  brought  to  praise  and  serve  him  as  their 
God  and  Saviour,  "  from  the  rising  of  the  sun,  even  to 
the  going  down  thereof;"  and  "  the  whole  earth  shall 
be  filled  with  his  glory  !" 

That  part  of  the  plan  of  your  society,  which  relates 
to  the  establishment  of  a  small,  but  select  library; 
consisting  chiefly  of  books  on  divinity,  (inculcating  the 
purest  evangelical  sentiments,  and  the  best  adapted  to 
promote  christian  practice)  appears  to  me  to  be  a  well 
judged,  and  very  important  measure  ;  as  it  will  provide 
a  rich  source  of  improvement  to  the  mind  and  the  heart, 
and  will  probably  have  a  considerable  effect  in  promot- 
ing the  increase  of  your  members,  and  strengthening 
the  bonds  of  their  union. 

It  has  long  been  my  wish  to  see  a  Library,  consist- 
ing principally  of  this  description  of  books,  owned  by 
our  church,  and  at  once  adequate  to  the  wants,  and  ap- 
propriated chiefly  to  the  use,  of  our  congregations. 
The  advantages  of  such  an  establishment  for  dissemin- 
ating correct  sentiments  and  enlarged  information  on  re- 
ligious subjects,  and  in  exciting  the  attention  of  many 
persons,  to  their  best,  their  spiritual  interests  ;  to  the 
things  of  their  present  and  eternal  peace.  I  trust  that 
to  the  members  of  your  society  at  least,  the  books 
which  you  may  now  obtain,  and  which  may  be  gradual- 


LETTERS.  439 

\y  increased,  will  be  productive  of  much  improvement 
in  knowledge  and  grace. 

It  has,  from  the  first,  been  my  intention  and  deter- 
mination, to  contribute  some  aid  to  your  society,  to. 
wards  the  accomplishment  of  this  laudable  design,  by 
presenting  to  them  some  books,  which  I  supposed 
would  be  particularly  acceptable  and  useful  to  them. 
Accordingly,  together  with  the  books  presented  by 
Mr.  Woodward,  to  your  society,*  I  have  the  pleasure 
of  presenting  to  the  society  at  the  present  time  in  my 
own  name,  the  books  mentioned  in  the  subjoined  list. 
[Here  follows  the  list,  amounting  to  upwards  of  $50.] 

In  the  choice,  and  in  thje  use  of  books,  and  in  your 
religious  exercises  and  in  all  your  proceedings  as  a  so- 
ciety and  as  individuals,  may  you  be  favoured  with 
that  wisdom  which  is  profitable  to  direct,  and  with  that 
all-sufficiency  of  grace,  which  will  enable  you,  in  all  the 
instances  of  your  conduct,  *'  to  do  all  to  the  glory  of 
God"  through  Jesus  Christ  your  Redeemer  and  Medi- 
ator. 

To  theguidance,  the  keeping,  and  the  blessing  of  the 
great  and  gracious  God,  even  our  blessed  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  I  affectionately  commend  you  ; 
and  with  all  christian  regards,  and  my  constant  prayers 
for  your  welfare  and  happiness,  collectively  and  indi- 
vidually, in  time  and  through  eternity,  I  remain, 
Your  sincere  and  cordial  friend, 

ISAAC    S.    KEITH. 

•  To  the  amount  of  ^20.^ 


440  LETTERS. 


i^&i 


TO    DR.    E.      S, 

CHARLESTON,    JfUJTE    11,    1810, 

MT    DEAR    FRIEND, 

A  OUR  welcome  favour,  of  the  lOth 
of  May,  I  have  received.     If  gave  me  a   very  peculiar 
pleasure.     I  cordially  thank  jou  for  it  ;  and  I  desire  to 
be  fervently  thankful   to   the  God  of  all  grace,  on  ac- 
count of  his  grace  having  been  so  exceedinsrly  abun- 
dant towards  you,  as  to  enable  you  to  fill   \our  letter 
with  a  very  pleasing  detail  of  circumstances  and  events, 
most  important  to  yourself,  and   deeply   interesting  to 
all  your  friends.     The  history  of  hf^roes  and  conquer- 
ors, of  the   revolutions  of  nations,  and  establishment  of 
empires,  that  have  filled  the  earth  with  fame  and  glory, 
shrinks  into  insiofnificance,  in  the   view  of  an  immortal 
soul,  delivered   by  the   AImi2:hty  Redeemer  from  the 
bondage  of  snfan  and  the  chains  of  sin  ;  and  by  the  en- 
lightening, new  creatin<^  energy  of  the  sp«rit   of  grace, 
emerging  from  darkness  to  lizht,  passing;  from  death  to 
life,  and   rising  from   self  to   God,   and  from  earth  to 
heaven. 

Has  such,  my  dear  friend,  been  the  great,  the  hap- 
py change,  which  you  have  experienced  ?  Wow  rea- 
sonable, how  p!ea?!ant,  must  you,  so  far  at  least  as  you 
have  evidence  of  your  being;  the  subject  of  such  a 
change,  now  feel  the  duty  of  thanksgiving  and  praise, 
while  adoring  gratitude  prompts  and  constrains  you  to 
say  with  the  apostle,  "  By  the  jrrace  of  God  T  am  what 
I  am."     Are  you  a  christian  indeed  ?  Such,  I  would 


LETTERS.  441 

fondly  hope  you  now  are.  And  is  there  any  interesf, 
any  honor,  any  happiness  to  which  the  renewed,  sanc- 
tified heart  can  aspire,  that  is  not  inchided  in  the  char- 
acter and  state  of  a  christian  ;  while  for  such  it  is  pro- 
vided, by  the  sure,  welKordered,  everlasting  covenant, 
of  which  Jesus  is  the  blessed  Mediator,  that  an  all-suffi- 
ciency of  grace,  suited  to  every  present  necessity,  shall 
be  given  ;  and  that  this  grace  shall  be  crowned  with 
future  eternal  glory  !  How  desirable,  indeed,  is  that 
state  of  grace  in  which,  as  I  trust,  you  now  stand  and 
rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God  !  And  how  remark- 
able the  method  of  the  Lord's  dealing  with  you,  in  or- 
der to  bring  you  into  this  happy  state  ! 

If  you  had  been   left  to  yourself,  you,  with  the  men 
of  the   world,  would  have  chosen  your  portion  in  this 
life.     With   them  you   aspired  to   the  honors  of  the 
world,  you  coveted  its  interests  and  prosperity  ;  and  if 
the  world  smiled,  and  you  could   repose  on  the  bosom 
of  your  beloved  family,  enjoying,  together  with  your- 
self, health  and  temporal  comfort,  you  flattered  your- 
self that  your  happiness  would  be  complete.    How  this 
scene  of  fancied  happiness  would  have  soon  terminated, 
I  need   not   now   remind  you.     Most  mercifully  have 
you  been  awakened  from  the  pleasing,  delusive  dream, 
and   taught   "  to  seek  superior  bliss."    Your  plans  and 
prospects  of  ambition   and  of  wealth,  were  disconcert- 
ed and  disappointed  ;  and  a  darling  child,  that  was  be- 
coming more  and  more  the  idol  of  your  heart,  was  re- 
moved to  the  bosom  of  your  Lord,  who  says,  "  Suffer 
the  little  children  to  come  unto  me  and  forbid  them  not, 
for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven."    The  hopes,  al- 
so, which  you  were  building  on  the  ground  of  your  own 

righteousness,  soon  fell  before  the  power  of  sin,  dwell- 
56 


442  LETTERS. 

ing  in  jon,  and  under  the  sentence  of  the  ]3.w,  applied 
by  the  Spirif,  and  convincijjg  you,  that  by  no  present  or 
future  obedience,  or  repentance,  or  reformation,  could 
you  ever  be  justified  before  God. 

"  All  these  things,"  your  sense  and  your  reason  were 
ready  to  exclaim,  "  all  these  things  are  against  me  !" 
But  God's  thoughts  are  not  our  thoughts,  nor  are  oup 
ways  his  ways.  *'  For  as  iiie  heavens  are  higher  than 
the  earth,  so  are  my  ways  higher  than  your  ways,  and 
my  thoughts  than  jour  thoughts, saith  the  Lord."  And 
accordingly,  you  have  found  the  dispensations  of  his 
providence,  which  to  yon  weie  most  obscure,  perplex- 
ing, and  distressing,  accompanied  by  his  sanctifying 
blessing,  made  to  work  together  most  effect ually  for 
your  good.  Your  favourite  schemes  and  hopes  of 
worldly  joy  were  broken,  that  you  might  be  constrained 
to  seek  your  all  in  God  ;  and  that  your  soul  might  be 
compelled  to  seek  its  rest  in  the  Redeemer,  who  gives 
his  peace  to  all  that  come  to  him  believing,  and  trusting 
in  his  name,  and  a  peace  such  as  the  world  can  neither 
give,  nor  take  away. 

Thus  through  the  supply  of  the  spirit  of  Jesus 
Christ,  all  those  apparent  adverse  and  threatening  cir- 
cumstances and  events,  under  which  your  heart  was  in- 
clined to  be  so  restive  and  rebellious,  have  been  made 
instrumental  to  promote  your  humiliation  and  repent- 
ance, to  excite  you  to  fly  for  refuge,  to  lay  hold  on  the 
hope  set  before  you,  in  the  Saviour  of  the  guilty,  the 
wretched,  and  the  helpless,  and  have  happily  turned  to 
the  furtherance  of  your  salvation.  And  now,  when 
you  see  that  like  the  blind,  you  were  led  in  a  way  that 
you  knew  not,  and  in  the  right  and  best  way  to  present 
peace  and  future  joy,  it  may  surely  be  most  reasonably 


LETTERS.  443 

expected  of  you,  that  wilh  a  lively  gralilude  you  will 
acknowledge,  that  the  Lord  hath  done  all  thino;s  well 
for  you  ;  and  that  under  an  affecting  sense  of  j  our  ob- 
ligations, you  will  be  disposed  to  consecrate  yourself, 
and  your  all,  (o  his  service  and  glory,  so  that  you  may 
live  no  longer  to  yourself,  but  entirely  to  the  God  of 
your  mercies  and  salvation.  From  the  tenor  of  your 
letter,  I  am  led  to  hope  and  believe,  that  thus  you  are 
disposed  and  resolved,  through  grace,  henceforth  to  live 
to  the  noblesit  and  best  of  purposes,  and  worthy  of  the 
profession  and  hopes  of  a  christian. 

But  still  "you  fear,  that  you  are  only  deceiving  your- 
self'with  a  name  to  live,  while  you  may  yet  be  dead; 
because  you  have  not  felt  such  convictions  of  the  guilt 
and  enormity  of  sin,  as  others  appear  to  have  done  ;  and 
you  do  not  feel  that  affection  and  zeal,  which  you 
should  do  towards  that  blessed  Saviour,  who  made  such 
an  inexpressible  sacrifice  for  perishing  sinners." 

Such  fears  and  su.ch  complaints,  my  dear  friend,  are 
sooner  or  later,  and  in  a  greater  or  less  degree,  general- 
ly experienced  by  real  penitents  and  sincere  believers. 
The  more,  indeed,  they  see  and  feel  the  evil  of  sin,  the 
more  sensible  are  they  of  the  disproportion  of  their  hu- 
miliations and  sorrows,  to  the  evil  which  they  really  la- 
ment and  abhor;  and  the  more  clearly  they  perceive 
their  infinite  obligations  to  the  dear  Redeemer,  to 
whom  they  are  so  deeply  indebted,  the  more  defective 
and  unworthy  do  they^hink  those  returns  of  gratitude, 
love  and  obedience,  with  which  they  would  honor 
him.  And  remember,  that  an  eminent  part  of  the  tri- 
als of  chri^.tians  consists  in  the  conflicts  of  remaining 
corruptions,  with  the  principles  of  grace  Implanted,  and 
living,  and  still  growing  in  the  new-born  soul  of  the  real 


444  LETTERS. 

believer.  Nor  can  Ihey,  certainly,  be  allogether 
strangers  to  the  christian  life,  who  can  sincerely  saj 
with  the  apostle,  "  That  which  I  do  I  allow  not  ;  for 
what  I  would  that  I  do  not  ;  but  what  I  hate  that  I  do/' 
&c.  Such  is  the  frequent  experience  of  the  best  of 
christians  ;  and  this  experience,  though  very  painful  in 
itself,  is  yet  well  adapted  to  empty  them  more  and 
more  of  pride  and  self  in  every  form,  and  to  render  the 
Saviour,  who  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  io 
all  believers,. and  in  whom  all  fulness  dwells,  for  the 
supply  of  all  their  wants,  more  and  more  precious 
to  their  souls.  To  him,  then,  resort  with  faith  and 
prayer,  and  in  him  repose  your  trust,  under  all  your  xiif- 
ficulfies  and  discouragements  ;  and  rest  assured,  that 
you  will  still  find  his  grace  sufficient  for  yoji,  and  bis 
strength  made  perfect  in  your  weakness,  for  the  whole 
of  the  work  and  warfare  to  which  he  calls  you. 

But  I  have  already  passed  the  bounds  which  I  had 
prescribed  to  myself;  and  it  seems  to  be  almost  super- 
fluous, if  not  indeed  assuming  in  me,  to  have  made  the 
observations  respecting  your  case  which  1  have  done  ; 
or  to  have  suggested  hints  of  advice  to  you,  who  are  al- 
ready so  well  instructed,  and  who  have  such  excellent 
guides  in  the  pious,  judicious,  and  experienced  authors, 
whose  writings  you  may  daily  peruse. 

Henry  is  an  excellent  commentator.  But  I  would, 
in  preference,  recommend  Scott  to  you,  for  your  assist- 
ance in  consulting  the  Sacred  U^acles  of  God  ;  as  the 
latfer  is  not  less,  if  not  even  more  evangelical  than  the 
former,  and  his  notes  and  practical  observations  are  pe- 
culiarly instructive,  interesting  and  impressive. 

In  Newton's  Works,  especially  in  his  letters,  you 
will  find  such  a  plenty,  and  variety,  and  excellence  of 


LETTERS.  44& 

advice,  admonition,  consolation  and  encouragement, 
convejed  in  the  most  pieasing  and  engaging  language 
and  manner,  that  you  will  see  reason  enough  for  my  be- 
ing ashamed  of  scrawling  a  line  on  any  subject  touch- 
ed by  the  hand  of  such  a  master,  in  my  communica- 
tions to  any  friend,  who  is  possessed  of  his  valuable 
volumes.  One  of  my  subordinate  inducements  to- 
wards sending  you  the  two  volumes  of  his  posthumous 
works,  was  rather  of  a  selfish  nature;  I  mean  the 
expectation  that  such  a  present,  considering  how 
much  valuable  and  suitable  instruction  it  contains, 
would  have  a  tendency  to  preclude  your  asking  any 
communications  from  my  pen,  sterile  and  sluggish,  as  I 
know  it  is,  and  as  you  will  now  feel  it  to  be.  I  believe 
you  have  Buck's  Miscellaneous  Works  :  and  his  treatise 
on  Religious  experience,  and  Young  Christian's  Guide, 
you  will  find  peculiarly  worthy  of  your  attention.  1 
wish  you  had  also  Scott's  Theological  Works,  They 
are  generally  very  valuable  ;  and  his  Essays  on  the 
leading  doctrines  and  duties,  &c.  of  Christianity,  are 
pre-eminently  excellent.  But  in  recommending  good 
books,  it  is  diflScult  to  know  whereto  stop.  Still,  how- 
ever, let  the  inspired  word  of  God  be  chiefly  studied, 
with  earnest  prayer  for  the  teaching  of  his  spirit,  by 
which  alone  it  can  become  effectual,  for  making  us  wise 
unto  salvation,  through  faith  in  Christ  ;  and  profitable 
to  us  for  doctrine,  reproof,  correction,  instruction  in 
righteousness,  and  for  furnishing  us  thoroughly  unto  all 
good  works,  and  thus  advancing  us  in  our  progress  to- 
wards christian  perfection. 

While  I  have  been  saying  so  much  about  books,  I 
suppose  you  have  been  feeling,  with  a  lively  sensibili- 
ty, and   therefore  need   not   now  be  reminded  by  me, 


446  LETTERS. 

how  peculiarly  thankful  you  ought  to  be,  to  the  God  of 
your  mercies,  for  having  so  graciously  and  so  seasona- 
bly prepared,  the  dear  wife  of  j^our  bosoui,  the  amiable 
and  beloved  partner  of  your  soul,  to  be  indeed  an  help- 
meet for  you,  and  a  most  pleasant  and  useful  compan- 
ion to  you,  in  the  christian  as  well  as  in  the  natural  life. 

What  a  privilege,  to  be  unifed  in  the  bonds  of  the 
sure,  well  ordered,  everlasting  covenant  of  grace  ! 
What  a  blessing  and  happiness,  to  be  prepared  to  dwell 
together  as  joint  heirs  of  the  grace  of  life,  as  mutual 
helpers  of  each  other's  faith  and  joy  on  earlh,  in  the 
way  to  glory  and  felicity,  complete  and  everlasting  in 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  !  May  the 'Lord  establish  his 
covenant  with  you  both,  and  build  you  up  a  sure  house, 
and  be  indeed  a  God  to  you  and  your  seed  after  you  ; 
and  more  and  more  bless  you  both,  together  with  the 
dear  children  which  he  has  graciously  given  you  and 
spared  to  you,  and  make  you  all  blessings  indeed  to 
each  other,  for  time  and  eternity  ! 

Have  you  now  at  length  sought  the  kingdom  of  God 
and  his  righteousness,  in  preference  to  all  other  things  ? 
May  you  not  then  hope,  and  with  confidence  believe, 
that  all  other  things,  needful  and  good  for  you,  shall  be 
added  to  you  ? 

And  if  it  would  be  best  for  you,  the  Lord  you  know, 
could  easily  bless  your  latter  end,  as  he  did  that  of  Job, 
more  than  your  beginning,  with  worldly  good  and  crea- 
ture comforts  !  But  in  bestowing  on  you  his  grace,  he 
gives  you  the  best  blessings  of  his  favour  ;  and  his 
grace  will  most  effectually  teach  you  to  be  content  wilh 
such  things  as  you  have  of  a  worldly  nature. 

I  cannot  but  cherish  the  pleasing  hope,  that  in  due 
time, the  way  may  be  opened  for  your  return  to  Charles- 


LETTERS*  447 

(on,  where  your  situation  may  be  more  pleasant,  and 
the  sphere  of  your  usefulness  be  much  more  enlarged, 
than  it  probably  is  at  present.  But  your  times  and 
mine  are  in  the  Lord's  hands.  May  he  prepare  us  for 
all  his  appointments,  and  dispose  and  enable  us  to  say, 
in  all  circumstances,  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done  ! 

You  have  probably  seen  in  the  newspapers,  the  ad- 
vertisement respecting  the  design  of  forming  a  Bible  So- 
ciety in  this  city.     A  meeting,   in   consequence,   took 
place  this  day,  at  1  o'clock  P.  M.  in   the   Hall  of  the 
South  Carolina  Society,  on   Meeting-street,  when  and 
where  were  present,  about  sixty  I  believe,  of  the  friends 
to  this   design  ;  and  among  these  were  several  of  our 
leading,  influential  characters,  judges,   lawyers,  physi- 
cians,   merchants,   planters,    &;c.    &c.       Mr.    Thomas 
Lowndes  was  called  to  the  chair,  and  Mr.  William  H. 
Gibbes    was    the    secretary,    at   this  meeting.     It  was 
unanimously  agreed,  that  a  Bible  Society  should  be  es- 
tablished  in   this   city,    and   that  the  persons  present 
would,  with  others  that  may  come  into  the  measure,  be 
members  of  it.     A  committee  of  seven  was   appointed 
to  draught  a   constitution  for  the  socioty,  and  to  lay  it 
before  another  meeting  of  the  citizens,  to  be  holden  on 
Monday  next.     Thus  far  appearances  are  promising,  in 
favour  of  this  most  charitable  and  important  undertak- 
ing ;  and  it  is  hoped,  that  the  smiles  and  the  blessing  of 
heaven,  will  crown  it  with  success,  and  make  the  insti- 
tution a  source  of  rich,  of  everlasting  blessings  to  many, 
who,  through  the  scriptures  distributed  by  this  charity, 
may  be  made  wise  unto   salvation,  through  faith  in  our 
divine  Redeemer.     What   can  you,   and  your  friends 
around  you,  do  to  help  us,  in  doing  the  greatest  good 
that  we  can  do  to  our  fellow  mortals,  by  giving  to 


448  LETTERS. 

those  who  want,  and  who  would  improve,  that  inesti- 
mably precious  Book  which  contains  the  words  of  eter- 
nal life,  and  which  alone  shews  to  fallen,  ruined,  perish- 
ing men,  the  way  of  salvation  ? 

From  the  length  of  this,  you  will  readily  perceive,, 
that  I  do  not  calculate  writing  often  to  you.  But  be  as- 
sured, that  your  communications  to  me,  and  the  more 
frequent  and  particular  they  may  be,  the  better,  will  al- 
ways be  highly  acceptable  to  me. 

In  very  affectionate  regards  and  best  wishes,  to  Mrs. 
S.  and  yourself,  Mrs.  K.  cordially  unites,  with  your 
isincere  friend, 

ISAAC    S.  KEITH. 


FINIS. 


'i  "        '   Kir 


#- 


